Simulated subacromial injection instruction improves accuracy and skill level: a model for musculoskeletal procedural training.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints often present initially to primary care physicians; however, physicians may lack appropriate instruction in MSK procedures. Diagnostic and therapeutic injections are useful orthopedic tools, but inaccuracy leads to unnecessary costs and inadequate treatment. The authors hypothesized that trainees afforded the opportunity to practice on a cadaver versus those receiving visual-aided instruction on subacromial injections (SAI) will demonstrate differences in accuracy and technique. METHODS: During Spring of the year 2022, 24 Internal Medicine and Family Medicine residents were randomly divided into control and intervention groups to participate in this interventional randomized cadaveric study. Each group received SAI instruction via lecture and video; the intervention group practiced on cadavers under mentored guidance. Subjects underwent a simulated patient encounter culminating in injection of latex dye into a cadaveric shoulder. Participants were evaluated based on a technique rubric, and accuracy of injections was assessed via cadaver dissection. RESULTS: Twenty-three of twenty-four participants had performed at least one MSK injection in practice, while only 2 (8.3%) of participants had performed more than 10 SAIs. There was no difference in technique between control 18.4 ± 3.65 and intervention 19.2 ± 2.33 (p = 0.54). Dissections revealed 3 (25.0%) of control versus 8 (66.7%) of intervention injections were within the subacromial space. Chi-Square Analysis revealed that the intervention affected the number of injections that were within the subacromial space, in the tissues bordering the subacromial space, and completely outside the subacromial space and bordering tissues (p = 0.03). The intervention group had higher self-confidence in their injection as opposed to controls (p = 0.04). Previous SAI experience did not affect accuracy (p = 0.76). CONCLUSIONS: Although primary care physicians and surgeons develop experience with MSK procedures in practice, this study demonstrates a role for early integrated instruction and simulation to improve accuracy and confidence. The goal of improving accuracy in MSK procedures amongst all primary care physicians may decrease costs and avoid unnecessary referrals, diagnostic tests, and earlier than desired surgical intervention.

A Rare Syndrome in a Rare Carcinoma: A Case of Spontaneous Tumor Lysis Syndrome in Small-Cell Liver Carcinoma.

Spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome (STLS) is a rare, oncologic emergency, consisting of life-threatening acute renal failure, hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, and hyperphosphatemia, prior to the initiation of cytotoxic therapy. Here, we describe a case of STLS in a patient with newly diagnosed small-cell liver carcinoma (SCLC). A 64-year-old female with no significant past medical history presented with a one-month history of jaundice, pruritus, pale stools, dark urine, and right upper quadrant pain. CT of the abdomen revealed a heterogeneous-enhancing intrahepatic mass. CT-guided biopsy of the mass revealed SCLC. At follow-up, labs were significant for potassium 6.4 mmol/L, phosphorus 9.4 mg/dL, uric acid 21.4 mg/dL, calcium 9.0 mg/dL, and creatinine 6.9 mg/dL. She was admitted and treated with aggressive fluid rehydration and rasburicase, with eventual improvement in renal function and normalization of electrolytes and uric acid levels. On the rare occasion that STLS occurs in solid tumors, lung, colorectal, and melanoma are most common, with liver metastases occurring in 65% of cases. Our patient's SCLC was a primary liver malignancy with a large tumor burden, both of which may have predisposed her to develop STLS. Rasburicase is the first line in the treatment of acute tumor lysis syndrome as it quickly decreases uric acid. Identifying SCLC as a risk factor for STLS is key. Due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with this rare phenomenon, a prompt diagnosis is required.