Increased diagnostic accuracy and widespread availability of computed tomography (CT) have enhanced initial trauma evaluation and facilitated nonoperative management of many types of injuries. However, concern that excessive radiation exposure could result in an increased lifetime cancer risk has prompted renewed evaluation of the potential risks and benefits of current diagnostic strategies. This supplement reviews best practices in diagnostic radiology for evaluation of the trauma patient and discusses approaches to optimize diagnostic assessment while limiting radiation exposure.
Evidence-based medicine requires a critical appraisal of the literature based upon study methodology and number of subjects. Not all references are equally robust. The findings of a large, prospective, randomized, and blinded trial should carry more weight than a case report.
To help the reader judge the strength of each reference, pertinent information about the study, such as the type of study and the number of patients in the study is included in bold type following the references, where available. In addition, the most informative references cited in this paper, as determined by the author, are highlighted.
Resuscitation involves the restoration of adequate tissue perfusion to meet the consumptive demands of the body. The ultimate goals of resuscitation are the prevention of an uncompensated anaerobic state and the reversal of metabolic hypoxia. To achieve these goals, timely intervention with an organized and targeted resuscitative strategy optimizes patient care.1-3 Achievement of these goals is dependent on a multidisciplinary approach to the management of the injured patient, and it requires careful coordination as the patient transitions from the resuscitation bay to the operating room and the intensive care unit (ICU). Strategies for the management of trauma patients during initial resuscitation are continuously evolving. This supplement reviews the current evidence in these critical and evolving areas of resuscitation to help guide the emergency clinician on current best practice.
Evidence-based medicine requires a critical appraisal of the literature based upon study methodology and number of subjects. Not all references are equally robust. The findings of a large, prospective, randomized, and blinded trial should carry more weight than a case report.
To help the reader judge the strength of each reference, pertinent information about the study, such as the type of study and the number of patients in the study is included in bold type following the references, where available. In addition, the most informative references cited in this paper, as determined by the author, are highlighted.
Bonny J. Baron, MD; Jinel Scott, MD, MBA; Geraldine N. Abbey-Mensah, MD; Benjamin Barmaan, MD, MS; Julie Winkle, MD, FACEP, FCCM
Kaushal Shah, MD, FACEP
August 15, 2020
August 15, 2023   CME Information
4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.™ Specialty CME Credits: Included as part of the 4 credits, this CME activity is eligible for 4 Stroke CME credits, subject to your state and institutional approval.
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