Objective: A retrospective audit of presentations to a tertiary trauma centre reviewing the demographics of electric scooter injuries in the first 2 months of the scooter-share scheme, which was commenced in Brisbane in November 2018. Methods: Electric scooter-associated presentations to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Emergency and Trauma Centre from November 2018 to January 2019 were identified. Data collected included patient demographics, type and location of injuries, helmet use, alcohol consumption, length of stay and disposition. Estimates of costs associated with electric scooter presentation were also obtained. Results: Fifty-four electric scooter encounters were included during the 2-month period. Helmets were worn in 46% and was associated with reduced risk of head injury (odds ratio (OR) 0.18, P = 0.029). Alcohol was involved in 27% although this did not impact on admission rates (OR 1.25, P = 0.83) or operative management (OR 2.14, P = 0.42). Contusions/abrasions and fractures/ dislocations were the most common types of injury, whereas upper limb and minor head injuries were the most common sites of injury. Most patients were discharged home (87%), with 74% completing their emergency visit in under 4 h. Six patients required operative management and 15 patients needed outpatient follow-up. There were no deaths. Average patient cost per presentation was $542 and ranged from $285 to $1345. Conclusions: The findings characterised injury patterns and costs associated with electric scooters in our ED. Given the increasing popularity of electric scooters as an alternate form of transportation, our study may help to inform public policy for future injury prevention.
The significance of median arcuate ligament-associated coeliac axis compression can be readily delineated by CT angiography but is a source of some controversy in the literature, particularly given the relatively high incidence of this finding in otherwise asymptomatic individuals. This case series, with an emphasis on CT findings, aims to (i) illustrate the anatomy, (ii) elude to the variable outcome and uncertainty of those patients diagnosed, (iii) question the reliability of existing imaging techniques, with the additional use of multiphase electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated CT acquisition, and therefore (iv) augment the description of the currently recognized pathophysiology. We propose the clinical usefulness of ECG-gated vascular angiography, other than that necessary to image the coronary arteries, in vascular compression syndromes such as this.
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