Faculty Bibliography

Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks (UGNBs) are becoming a more common method for pain control in the emergency department. Specifically, brachial plexus blocks have shown promise for acute upper extremity injuries as well as an alternative to procedural sedation for glenohumeral reductions. Unfortunately, there is minimal discussion in the EM literature regarding phrenic nerve paralysis (a well-known complication from brachial plexus blocks). The anatomy of the brachial plexus, its relationship to the phrenic nerve, and why ultrasound-guided brachial plexus blocks can cause phrenic nerve paralysis and resultant respiratory impairment will be discussed. The focus on patient safety is paramount, and those with preexisting respiratory conditions, extremes of age or weight, spinal deformities, previous neck injuries, and anatomical variations are at greater risk. We put forth different block strategies for risk mitigation, including patient selection, volume and type of anesthetic, block location, postprocedural monitoring, and specific discharge instructions. Understanding the benefits and risks of UGNBs is critical for emergency physicians to provide effective pain control while ensuring optimal patient safety.

Medical simulation is a widely used training modality that is particularly useful for procedures that are technically difficult or rare. The use of simulations for educational purposes has increased dramatically over the years, with most emergency medicine (EM) programs primarily using mannequin-based simulations to teach medical students and residents. As an alternative to using mannequin, we built a 3D printed models for practicing invasive procedures. Repeated simulations may help further increase comfort levels in performing an emergency department (ED) thoracotomy in particular, and perhaps this can be extrapolated to all invasive procedures. Using this model, a simulation training conducted with EM residents at an inner city teaching hospital showed improved confidence. A total of 21 residents participated in each of the three surveys [(1) initially, (2) after watching the educational video, and (3) after participating in the simulation]. Their comfort levels increased from baseline after watching the educational video (9.5%). The comfort level further improved from baseline after performing the hands on simulation (71.4%).

Rotator cuff lesions (RCL) have considerable variability in location, tear pattern, functional impairment, and repairability.Historical classifications for differentiating these lesions have been based upon factors such as the size and shape of the tear, and the degree of atrophy and fatty infiltration. Additional recent descriptions include bipolar rotator cuff insufficiency, 'Fosbury flop tears', and musculotendinous lesions.Recommended treatment is based on the location of the lesion, patient factors and associated pathology, and often includes personal experience and data from case series. Development of a more comprehensive classification which integrates historical and newer descriptions of RCLs may help to guide treatment further. Cite this article: Lädermann A, Burkhart SS, Hoffmeyer P, et al. Classification of full thickness rotator cuff lesions: a review. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:420-430. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.160005.

HYPOTHESIS:We hypothesize that performing a RSA using an anterior approach without cutting the subscapularis tendon and the deltoid muscle could provide patients with superior short-term clinical outcomes and immediate active range of motion (ROM) without immobilization. METHODS:Between August 2013 and June 2015, all patients who had a primary RSA were considered potentially eligible for inclusion in this prospective study. RESULTS:No immediate intra- or postoperative complications were noted. A statistically significant improvement of VAS (from 6.7 to 1; P<.001), SANE (from 34 to 80; P<.001), and elevation (from 103° to 128°; P=.02) was observed. In some cases, patients who had pseudoparalysis preoperative were able to achieve full anterior elevation few days after the operation. DISCUSSION:Using a subscapularis and deltoid preserving anterior approach is an option for patients requiring RSA. Leaving this tendon intact and preserving the deltoid minimize the need for immediate postoperative immobilization and allow for faster recovery of shoulder ROM, without risking the concern of humeral anterior dislocation. Overall duration of hospital stay as well as length of postoperative physical therapy may be minimized, with substantial long-term economic gain. Longer follow-up and comparison with standard approaches is necessary in the future. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE OF THE STUDY:Level IV, case series with no comparative group.