Point-of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of Pediatric Osteomyelitis in the Emergency Department: A Case Series.

ABSTRACT: Musculoskeletal and soft tissue complaints commonly present to the pediatric emergency department and literature supports the use point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the diagnosis of these complaints. The diagnosis of osteomyelitis typically involves laboratory testing with inflammatory biomarkers, imaging with x-ray, and often magnetic resonance imaging with test results often not immediately available. We report a case series of children initially evaluated with POCUS for osteomyelitis. The POCUS may expedite diagnosis and treatment when used as the initial test in children with suspected osteomyelitis in the emergency department.

Role of regional anesthesia in patients with acute sickle cell pain: A scoping review.

Sickle cell disease is the most prevalent inherited blood disorder in the world, with significant morbidity and mortality. Patients often have recurrent painful vaso-occlusive episodes, and the American Society of Hematology gives a conditional recommendation for the use of regional anesthesia for acute sickle cell pain management. This scoping review summarizes the current evidence and identifies gaps for future research. Our screening process is outlined, and articles that mentioned the use of regional anesthesia for acute sickle cell crises were included. We present and interpret our results and highlight opportunities for future investigation.

Heterogeneous Knee Effusions on Point-of-Care Ultrasound in a Toddler Diagnosed With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

Point-of-care musculoskeletal ultrasound can provide information about joint effusions and the quality of the effusion. This case report describes the findings of a previously healthy pediatric patient with acute onset of knee swelling and abnormal gait. After point-of-care ultrasound demonstrated bilateral knee effusions with complex, heterogeneous material, subsequent workup revealed a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We review the ultrasound technique, sonographic findings, and literature regarding point-of-care ultrasound for knee effusions and JIA.