Acute Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Pediatric Distal Radius Fractures

Authors: Andrew W Phillips, MD MEd and Emily Niu, MD
Stanford University/Kaiser Emergency Medicine Residency Program and
Stanford University Orthopedics Residency Program

Summary points:

• Acute carpal tunnel syndrome complicates up to 9% of distal radius fractures.
• Large displacement increases the probability of developing acute carpal tunnel syndrome. 
• Early carpal tunnel release is associated with improved outcomes.

The common scenario: An adolescent child crashes bicycle and presents with only L wrist pain. He reports mild numbness of his index finger but full sensation and movement are present on physical exam of the entire left hand. Is it a simple splint and follow up with orthopedics in a few days?

Click to enlarge.

Click to enlarge.

Helpful Document: Shock & Vasopressors - A Quick Review

Author: Alexander A. Simakov, MPH FP-C MSIV, Medical Student Council, International Ex Officio Representative

Things were much simpler back in the Roman days. When one was stabbed by a sword he/she bled and died of “cold” — or hypovolemic — shock. If the person got lucky and was only wounded by the dirty blade, they probably died of “warm” — or septic — shock. Today our knowledge has advanced well past “cold” and “warm,” and leaves us with at least 10 types of shock commonly encountered in the emergency department (ED) and intensive care unit (ICU) (Table 1). Each represents a constellation of physiologic effects that require a tailored approach to management. Cardiovascular support with the assistance of vasopressors is a common method, while identification and treatment of the underlying disease process remains the ultimate goal.¹

How to Dive into the FOAMed Movement

Authors: Meaghan Mercer, DO, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
                AAEM/RSA President

                Mary Calderone, MSIV, Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, Chicago
                Medical Student Council President

What is FOAM? — This is not the future of medicine, it is medical education NOW! Like many great ideas that evolve in medicine, the concept of FOAM (Free Open Access Meducation) project was born in a pub over a pint of Guinness. Doctors Mike Cadogan and Chris Nickson  from lifeinthefastlane.com (LITFL), recognized that social media has changed how we communicate and educate; ideas traverse the globe in hours allowing an open interactive approach to how we learn and practice medicine. As one of the education leaders of AAEM and greatest teachers of our specialty, Dr. Joe Lex, stated, “If you want to know how we practiced medicine 5 years ago, read a textbook. If you want to know how we practiced medicine 2 years ago, read a journal. If you want to know how we practice medicine now, go to a (good) conference. If you want to know how we will practice medicine in the future, listen in the hallways and use FOAM.” FOAM is the concept, enacted via the Internet. #FOAMed is the conversation, enacted via Twitter.

Rules of the Road: Ch 7 Summary: "The Residency Application Process - Visits and Interviews"

Originally Published: AAEM's Rules of the Road for Medical Students, First Ed. Chief Editors: A. Antoine Kazzi, MD FAAEM MAAEM; Joel M. Schofer, MD RDMS FAAEM
Chapter Summary by: Kari Gorder, Medical Student Council, Regional Representatives - Northeast

Choosing a residency program is one of the most significant decisions a medical student will make. While the match experience can induce a considerable amount of anxiety, it is also an exciting and memorable time. With the right amount of research and preparation, applicants can navigate the process with skill and success—and hopefully the least amount of stress possible! This chapter briefly outlines the steps of interviewing for an EM residency.

Rules of the Road: Ch. 19 Summary: "The Clinical Years - Research & Scholarly Projects"

Originally Published: AAEM's Rules of the Road for Medical Students, First Ed. Chief Editors: A. Antoine Kazzi, MD FAAEM MAAEM; Joel M. Schofer, MD RDMS FAAEM
Chapter Summary by: Faith Quenzer, Vice President, Medical Student Council 

      ●     Should you do research or other forms of scholarly projects in medical school?

             ○       Depends on your interests

             ○       Formal research and publication of a manuscript is highly regarded as the most valuable form of academic involvement and skill

            ○       Research projects can be presented at conferences