Dear X-Ray Insider,
When it comes to speed and portability in the emergency room, x-ray is still one of the best modalities for imaging trauma patients. For those with pelvic fractures who are hemodynamically unstable, x-ray can be instrumental in saving their lives.
Dr. Tetsu Niwa and colleagues from the Yokohama City University School of Medicine and the Yokohama City University Medical Center have developed protocols for the initial management of unstable pelvic fractures.
These radiologists use plain-film radiographs to determine lateralization of the severity of the hemorrhage before angiographic intervention. This requires the radiologist to examine the fracture pattern, including the direction and intensity of the wounding force, to determine the appropriate femoral access site.
By predicting arterial injury sites and determining an appropriate access site through the interpretation of plain-film radiographs before arterial embolization, the radiologists are able to perform prompt and effective interventions.
As an X-Ray Insider, you have access to this story before it is available to other AuntMinnie members. To read more about the Yokohama group's innovations, just go to http://www.auntminnie.com/default.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=xra&Pag=dis&ItemId=58069.
In other news, be sure to check out our coverage of the 2003 American Roentgen Ray Society meeting coming up this week in San Diego. AuntMinnie will be there to deliver breaking news from this important radiology meeting.
