ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There have been few case reports of patellar tendon rupture in patients with underlying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). OBJECTIVES: We present a unique case to discuss the importance of recognizing patellar tendon rupture in the emergency department (ED). CASE REPORT: An 18-year-old man with SLE presented to the ED with pain, swelling, and inability to extend his left knee after a fall. Physical examination demonstrated a palpable defect over the patellar tendon, and plain radiographs showed patella alta. Patellar tendon rupture was diagnosed, and the patient underwent open surgical repair. CONCLUSION: In low-energy patellar tendon rupture, the effects of the pathophysiology and the treatment for SLE, which includes systemic corticosteroids, are currently unclear. However, it is important to establish prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment in the ED to maximize recovery and minimize long-term disability.
Subject(s)
Joint Diseases/etiology , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/complications , Patellar Ligament , Adolescent , Humans , Joint Diseases/diagnosis , Joint Diseases/surgery , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/drug therapy , Male , Rupture, Spontaneous/diagnosis , Rupture, Spontaneous/etiology , Rupture, Spontaneous/surgeryABSTRACT
In brief Blunt laryngeal injury is a rare but potentially catastrophic event. If the airway is not totally obstructed, the on-site physician should manage the upper airway following basic airway protocols. If the airway becomes totally obstructed on-site, orotracheal intubation using a small-diameter endotracheal tube is the procedure of choice. Translaryngeal ventilation and surgical cricothyrotomy are relatively contraindicated but may need to be used as a last resort. When the need for advanced airway procedures is likely, the patient should be transported expediently by advanced life support ambulance to the nearest appropriate emergency department.
