Management of Burns

Pre-Hospital Treatment and First Aid Outpatient management Outpatient management is reserved for burns that cover <10% BSA (<5% in children and elderly) and no third-degree burns. Treatment involves disinfection, dressing, and pain management. Inpatient observation overnight is recommended for patients…

Estimating TBSA

Evaluation of Burns

Overview The severity of burns can be assessed by determining the size, depth, site, inhalation injuries, and other injuries. Size (Extent) The seize of a burn is estimated as a percentage (%) of total body surface area (TBSA). Knowing the…

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

Facial nerve palsy is the weakness or paralysis of 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…

Chronic Otitis Media (COM)

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

Otitis Media with Effusion (OME)

Otitis media with effusion, also known as serous otitis media, is 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 for more…

Acute Otitis Media (AOM)

Acute otitis media, also known as acute suppurative otitis media, is an acute infection of the middle ear canal. It is defined as the first 3 weeks of a process in which the middle ear shows signs and symptoms of…

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…