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Original Article: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Turkey Carving Injuries — A Hand Surgeon's Guide to Not Ruining Thanksgiving

Disclaimer:

If you are having a medical emergency, call 911. Do not attempt to contact or obtain medical services through this site. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this site or materials linked from this site is at the user's own risk. The content of this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The content is my own and does not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Dr. G's Rules of Thumb Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Article: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Understanding Radial Head and Neck Fractures — What You Need to Know⁠

Summary:

In this episode of the Rules of Thumb podcast, Dr. G discusses radial head and neck fractures, a common elbow injury. He explains the anatomy of the elbow, how these fractures occur, their symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Most fractures do not require surgery, and early movement is crucial for recovery. The episode emphasizes the need for proper evaluation and rehabilitation to prevent long-term stiffness and ensure a smooth return to normal activities.

Keywords: radial head fractures, elbow injuries, musculoskeletal health, treatment options, recovery, rehabilitation, elbow anatomy, diagnosis, symptoms, surgery

Takeaways:

- Most radial head and neck fractures don't need surgery, but proper diagnosis is crucial to make that call.

- Early movement, when appropriate, is your friend in preventing stiffness.

- Make sure to pay attention to your whole arm during recovery, not just the elbow.

- Getting evaluated early gives us the best chance of choosing the right treatment path.

- The elbow joint is where bones come together to allow for movement.

- The top of the radius bone is called the radial head.

- The vast majority of these ligament injuries will heal on their own.

- If the fracture is non-displaced, it just needs a few days in a sling.

- Recovery is typically straightforward with proper care and dedication to rehab.

- Elbows get stiff really quickly after an injury, so early movement is essential.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Radial Head and Neck Fractures

04:06 Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Disclaimer:

If you are having a medical emergency, call 911. Do not attempt to contact or obtain medical services through this site. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this site or materials linked from this site is at the user's own risk. The content of this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The content is my own and does not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.

Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Dr. G's Rules of Thumb Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Article: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠"If It Dries, It Dies" — A Surgeon's Guide to Wound Care

Summary:

In this episode of the Rules of Thumb podcast, Dr. Nick Golinvaux discusses essential wound care practices, emphasizing the importance of understanding the stages of wound healing. He provides detailed guidance on caring for surgical and open wounds, the significance of moisture in healing, and the proper approach to scar care. Additionally, he highlights warning signs of infection and the importance of monitoring the healing process.

Keywords: wound care, surgical wounds, open wounds, scar care, infection signs, healing process, musculoskeletal health, first aid, skin care, medical advice

Takeaways:

• All wounds follow the same healing progression, from open wound to closed wound to scar.
• If it dries, it dies. Remember to keep raw open wounds moist with Vaseline or Aquaphor.
• Once wounds are closed, less is more in terms of moisture.
• Watch the trend of your wound's healing; sudden worsening needs medical attention.
• Healing is a progression, and knowing care principles is crucial.
• Surgical wounds should be kept covered for the first five days.
• Open wounds need to stay moist to prevent tissue death.
• Scars take around 9 to 12 months to mature and require sun protection.
• Massage can help thick scars mature faster, but vitamin E oil may not be beneficial.
• Redness around a wound is normal, but excessive redness may indicate infection.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Wound Care

01:14 Understanding Surgical Wound Care

03:35 Open Wound Management

06:40 Scar Care and Healing Process

08:14 Recognizing Warning Signs of Infection

Disclaimer:

If you are having a medical emergency, call 911. Do not attempt to contact or obtain medical services through this site. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this site or materials linked from this site is at the user's own risk. The content of this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The content is my own and does not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.