Imaging Review of Alpine Ski Injuries.

Skiing is a continuously evolving winter sport, responsible for a considerable number of musculoskeletal injuries. Specific injury patterns and mechanisms in the upper and lower extremities, head, and spine are influenced by skier expertise and skill, position during injury, and environmental conditions. Predilection for certain joints and injury patterns have changed over time, largely due to technological advancements in equipment, increased awareness campaigns, and preventive protocols. Knowledge and understanding of these trends and developments can aid the radiologist to reach a timely and accurate diagnosis, thereby guiding clinical management and potentially reducing the overall incidence of debilitation and death.

Imaging Review of Snowboard Injuries.

Snowboarding and skiing remain the two most popular winter sports worldwide. Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries are common in snowboarding, and the number has increased significantly since the advent of snow parks. The number of injuries is the highest for novice snowboarders; more experienced boarders generally sustain more severe injuries. Snowboarders can experience a wide array of MSK injuries, but some injury types are more frequently encountered because of the specific injury mechanism unique to snowboarding. This article reviews the most common snowboarding injuries with a focus on the current understanding of the injury mechanism and provides an approach to imaging.

The Emergent Evaluation and Treatment of Hand and Wrist Injuries: An Update.

Injury patterns of the hand and wrist can be complex and challenging for the emergency physician to diagnose and treat. The ability of the hand to perform delicate maneuvers requires a very intricate interplay of bones, ligaments, and tendons. Unfortunately, due to the omnipresence of the hand, the hand and wrist are commonly injured. These injuries can be debilitating if not treated correctly and can be both time-consuming and fraught with medicolegal risk. This article provides the necessary knowledge to diagnose and treat common hand and wrist injuries encountered in the emergency department.

Safety and effectiveness of intravenous regional anesthesia (Bier block) for outpatient management of forearm trauma.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and effectiveness of intravenous regional anesthesia (Bier block) in the management of forearm injuries (i.e., forearm, wrist or hand) by primary care physicians at a diagnostic and treatment facility. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients at a single centre who underwent a Bier block for forearm injuries between September 2000 and March 2005. RESULTS: 1816 Bier blocks were performed on 1804 patients (64% male) during the study period. Patient age ranged from 4-70 (mean 25) years. Wrist fractures requiring reduction were the most common diagnosis. Adverse events were recorded in 9 cases (0.50%, 95% confidence interval 0.23%-0.94%): 1 case of medication error (0.06%); 3 of improper cuff inflation (0.17%); and 5 of inadequate analgesia (0.28%). None of the adverse events resulted in failure to complete the procedure or in serious morbidity or mortality. CONCLUSION: Bier block anesthesia is a safe, effective and reliable technique in an outpatient primary care setting. This technique is a useful modality for physicians who manage acute upper-extremity injuries.