Pressure ulcers (also known as pressure sores) are localised injuries to the skin and underlying tissue, usually occurring over bony prominences due to prolonged pressure. They are a significant cause of patient harm, leading to pain, infection, delayed recovery, and increased length of stay. Pressure ulcer prevention is a key patient safety priority and requires
Finger amputation refers to the loss of part or all of a finger, most often this is secondary to trauma. This is a surgical emergency that can lead to significant functional impairment and long-term disability. Finger replantation aims to restore form and function by reattaching the amputated portion to the hand. Time is a critical
Tuft fractures are not considered true open fractures, so they have not been discussed. An open fracture is a fracture in which there is a wound or break in the skin near the site of the broken bone – commonly caused by direct trauma or by the bone fragment breaking through the skin at the time
This guide is designed to help you identify the key areas you need to focus on when clerking a surgical patient. There are several differences when compared to clerking a medical patient, namely getting a more extensive surgical past medical history, examination and assessing frailty. Your clerking needs to be succint, pertinent and clear. Presenting
Pretibial lacerations are common injuries, especially among older adults, because the skin over the shin becomes thinner and more susceptible to tears with age. Epidemiology Pretibial lacerations may occur following minor trauma to the shin area, particularly in elderly individuals with fragile skin. The prevalence of these injuries is estimated at 5.2 per 1000 emergency
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are a unique subset of wounds caused by prolonged pressure or pressure combined with shear. [1] These injuries primarily affect areas over bony prominences and are particularly common in patients with limited mobility. Early identification and management are critical to prevent further tissue damage and systemic complications. [1][2] Predisposing
Adult Trauma Life Support (ATLS) is the gold standard for managing trauma-related injuries. Arterial and nerve injuries of the upper limb can have significant associated mortality and morbidity. Knowledge of the basic principles, presentation, and initial management is paramount to reduce short and long-term consequences. These injuries usually require escalation to seniors and referral to
Chemical burns are a unique subset of burns that require specialised management due to the nature of the substances involved. Proper initial management is critical to prevent further tissue damage and systemic complications. The majority of acid burns cause coagulative necrosis and cytotoxicity leading to skin and mucosal changes that limit deeper injury. Alkali burns
Introduction Patients regularly present to the emergency department with animal bites. This article aims to help guide you through managing these patients and what factors you might want to consider. Epidemiology The number of animal bites presented to A&E is largely underestimated, as many who are bit don’t present to receive medical care1 or won’t
Introduction Patients regularly present to the emergency department with animal bites. This article aims to help guide you through managing these patients and what factors you might want to consider. Epidemiology The number of animal bites presented to A&E is largely underestimated, as many who are bit don’t present to receive medical care1 or won’t
