Syringe Swap Speeds Steroid Injections
February 10th 2010To save time and minimize pain and tissue trauma when injecting a joint or soft tissue with a corticosteroid, use a single needle and 2 screw-on syringes. Fill the first syringe with lidocaine and the second with the corticosteroid, then lightly but securely attach the first syringe to the needle. After inserting the needle and achieving local analgesia in the desired location, simply leave the needle in place and, while holding it firmly, switch the syringes; then inject the corticosteroid.
Have Patients Lend a Hand With Cerumen Removal
October 2nd 2008Visualizing ear wax while attempting to remove it can be difficult. To make the process easier, I enlist the patient’s help. When examining the left ear, I have the patient grasp the ear with the right hand, at about the 2-o’clock position.
Cutting-Edge Solution for Glass Shard in Foot
April 2nd 2008Sometimes trying to locate a tiny shard of glass in the sole of the foot is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Even after a radiograph confirms the presence of the glass, it still may be difficult to findÑespecially in the thicker heel pad.
Suturing and Wound Closure: How to Achieve Optimal Healing
September 30th 2007Although many lacerations are treated in the emergency department, primary care clinicians still see their share of such wounds. Most lacerations are incurred on the face and head (as a result of falls or altercations) or on the hand or lower arm (caused by tools, broken glass, or other sharp objects).