The Erector Spinae Plane Block as Novel Therapy for Renal Colic: A Case Series.

We present a 10-patient case series supporting the use of the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) as a novel approach for the treatment of acute pain from renal colic. An in-plane needle approach was used with either transverse or longitudinal orientation of the ultrasound probe on the affected side, in either seated or prone patient position. These cases showed significant improvement in patient reported pain; suggesting that the ESPB can be used safely and effectively for either primary or adjunctive treatment of acute pain due to renal colic in the emergency department.

Saphenous and sciatic nerve block to treat acute lower limb ischemic pain in the emergency department.

Acute limb ischemia (ALI) presents with significant pain that is often refractory to opioid pain management or is present in patients with relative contraindications to opioids. Here we present a case of ALI successfully managed with regional anesthesia using sciatic and saphenous nerve blocks. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of regional anesthesia for ALI performed in the Emergency Department (ED) by Emergency Medicine physicians.

The Evolution of Ultrasound in Medicine: A Case Report of Point-of-care Ultrasound in the Self-diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis.

INTRODUCTION: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) education during medical school develops physicians who are properly prepared for the next generation of medicine. The authors present the case of a first-year medical student who self-diagnosed appendicitis using POCUS. CASE REPORT: A 25-year-old, first-year medical student presented to the emergency department with lower abdominal pain. What seemed like a straightforward appendicitis presentation came with a twist; the student brought self-performed ultrasound imaging of his appendix. CONCLUSION: The student's ultrasound skill set reflects favorably on the rapid evolution of ultrasound teaching in medical education.