Occult Spinal Cord Injury after Blunt Force Trauma in a Patient with Achondroplasia: A Case Report and Review of Trauma Management Strategy.

BACKGROUND: Achondroplastic dwarfism is associated with anatomic abnormalities that can predispose to occult injury and challenges in trauma management. Airway anatomy is problematic due to macrocephaly, midface hypoplasia, and a narrow nasopharynx. Manipulation of the neck is very dangerous due to the high likelihood of preexisting cervicomedullary stenosis. Restrictive lung disease and obstructive sleep apnea may complicate respiratory status. Peripheral and central venous access can be difficult to obtain. Orthopedic and metabolic comorbidities can lead to a prolonged hospital course. CASE REPORT: A 17-year-old male patient with achondroplasia presented to the Emergency Department after a high-speed motor vehicle collision. Despite a negative computed tomography scan of the cervical spine and absence of neck pain, a magnetic resonance imaging evaluation was obtained due to severe neurologic deficits; it revealed disruption of the anterior longitudinal ligament at C2/3 and spinal cord contusion from C3-C6. The patient had a difficult intubation and prolonged weaning from the ventilator after his operation. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Emergency physicians must maintain preparedness for all patients and situations, no matter how rare. Prior knowledge of key differences in management of the ABCDs (airway, breathing, circulation, neurological deficit) in patients with achondroplasia will reduce morbidity and mortality.

Compartment and Crush Syndromes After Sleep Deprivation and a Therapeutic Dose of Zolpidem.

Despite extensive review in the literature, compartment syndrome and crush syndrome remain difficult to diagnose. Trauma, toxins and reperfusion have been associated with these syndromes. Cases involving alcohol and drug abuse have described patients "found down" compressing an extremity. We present a case of a registered nurse who developed compartment syndrome in multiple limbs due to prolonged sleep after sleep deprivation and zolpidem use. To our knowledge, this is the first case of compartment syndrome or crush syndrome to have occurred in the setting of zolpidem use. Sleep disruption in healthcare workers represents a public health issue with dangerous sequelae, both acute and chronic.