Trauma + Imaging Flashcards
What is a FAST scan
A rapid bedside ultrasound examination
What does a FAST scan detect
Screens for blood around the heart (pericardial effusion) or abdominal organs after trauma
If a FAST scan is negative, what should be done
A CT scan, as these carry a low negative predictive value
What type of plain film is used to assess trauma
AP Chest, pelvis and C-Spine
Why is a Chestt X-Ray great to use n A and E
Can be easily required when a patient is in rhesus
What causes a flail chest
Sever injury from HIGH impact trauma
What causes a widened mediastinum
Aortic transection or aortic arch injury
What is the prognosis of an aortic transection
Often Dead
If a widened mediastinum is seen on a plain chest X-Ray, what is the follow up investigation to diagnose the cause
CT Angiography
Why can pelvic fractures cause death
Can cause pelvic, thigh or retroperitoneal bleeds
Bladder Rupture
Urethral Rupture
What is a common fracture seen in the pelvis
AP compression (open book fracture)
What’s an open book fracture
Broken frontal bones (pubic symphysis and pubic rami) causes the pelvis to open like a book
What joint is disrupted in AP compression
Sacroiliac Joint
What should the gap between the pubic symphysis normally be
5cm
Patients who’ve fallen from a height have what type of fracture
Vertical Shear fractures
