Let’s talk head, neck, and spinal trauma—Join Dr. Nicole Santucci for a discussion with expert trauma surgeon Dr. Jessica Staszak. This episode of the Washington Manual of Surgery Podcast will focus on head, neck, and spinal trauma, and is a companion to Chapter 6 of the 9th edition of the bestselling Washington Manual of Surgery.
Dr. Staszak reviews the management of head, neck, and spinal trauma. Covering the ABCs of trauma assessment and the importance of primary and secondary surveys, she details the approach to a 76-year-old male patient on Eliquis with a head injury. Key topics include performing CT scans for diagnosis, monitoring intracranial pressure, managing anticoagulation therapy, and evaluating cervical spine stability. Discover essential insights for efficient evaluation and treatment in trauma scenarios.
Guest Host: Nicole Santucci, MD – General surgery resident at WashU Medicine
Guest: Jessica Staszak, MD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at WashU Medicine. Dr. Staszak’s specialty is in surgical critical care.
Notes:
Canadian Head CT Rule: refer to Table 6.1 in the Washington Manual of Surgery (modified from Steil IG, Clement Cm, Rowe BH, et al. JAMA 2005;294(12):1511-8)
Underscoring the criteria (assuming initial GCS 13-15):
Age ≥ 65
GCS < 15 after 2 hours
Open/depressed skull fracture
Signs of basal skull fracture
> 2 episodes of emesis
≥ 30 minutes of amnesia
Significant mechanism (peds vs auto, ejected passenger, fall from ≥ 3 feet or 5 stairs)
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The Washington Manual of Surgery Podcast is a companion to the Washington Manual of Surgery (9th Edition). For more comprehensive surgical education, pick up a copy of the Washington Manual of Surgery: https://bit.ly/41xJ0aQ
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