Burns

Overview A burn is defined as the response of the skin, mucous membrane, and subcutaneous tissues to thermal and other few non-thermal injuries. Treatment of burns is complex (hence the need for specialised burn centres), and depends on the site…

Acute subdural hematoma

Head Injury

General principles of head injury Scalp The Scalp is very vascular and bleeds a lot (messy, but rarely causes shock). The patient’s Hx is very important in making the differentials for a head injury. Monroe-Kellie Doctrine The Monroe-Kellie Doctrine states…

Facial Nerve Palsy

Overview This is weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles due to pathology of the facial nerve. Course of the facial nerve Segment Description Intracranial The motor nucleus is situated in the pons and emerges through the cerebellopontine angle to…

Chronic Otitis Media (COM)

Chronic otitis media is a long-standing infection of the middle ear (> 6 weeks) characterized by ear discharge and permanent perforation. The incidence of COM is high in developing countries. It affects both sexes equally and all age groups. It…

Otitis Media with Effusion (OME)

Otitis media with effusion, AKA Serous Otitis Media, is a slowly progressive disease characterized by the accumulation of non-purulent effusion in the middle ear cleft behind an intact tympanic membrane without signs and symptoms of acute infection. If it persists…

Acute Otitis Media (AOM)

Acute Otitis Media (AOM) Acute otitis media AKA Acute Suppurative Otitis Media is an acute infection of the middle ear canal. Strictly, it is defined as the first 3 weeks of a process in which the middle ear shows signs…

Otitis Externa

Otitis Externa Otitis externa is infection (cellulitis) of the external auditory canal. It is classically associated with swimming. The most common cause is bacterial infection. The most common pathogen is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Diagnosis is clinical. Investigations for otitis externa are…

Open Extremity Fracture

Overview Open fractures are common and have a high potential for morbidity and mortality. They are commonly associated with infection, osteomyelitis, compartment syndrome, and amputation. The tibia is the most commonly involved bone. Classification of Open Fractures The Gustilo-Anderson classification…

Fracture Healing

Fracture Healing The type of fracture healing is determined by movement around the fracture site. Movement around the fracture site and healing Degree of movement Consequence Absolute stability and compression Primary healing Relative stability Secondary healing Excessive movement Delayed or…