Managing Shoulder Injuries in the Emergency Department: Fracture, Dislocation, and Overuse (Trauma CME) is organized by EB Medicine

Date of Original Release: June 01, 2018
Date of most recent review: May 10, 2018
Termination date: June 01, 2021
CME Expiration Date: June 30, 2021

Target Audience:
This enduring material is designed for emergency medicine physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and residents.

CME Credits:
This issue includes 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™; 4 ACEP Category I credits; 4 AAFP Prescribed credits; and 4 AOA Category 2 A or 2B CME credits. Included as part of the 4 credits, this CME activity is eligible for 4 Trauma CME credits, subject to your state and institutional approval.

Description:
Fractures, dislocations, and overuse syndromes all produce shoulder pain, but a systematic approach to evaluation and treatment will ensure that your diagnosis and treatment plan locates the source of the pain and reduces the chances that the patient will have life-long disability or life-threatening sequelae.
• Factor age, mechanism of injury, signs, and symptoms to arrive at a diagnosis.
• Perform must-do musculoskeletal and neurologic evaluations.
• Offer analgesia that minimizes use of IV procedural sedation and improves chances for successful reduction.
• Choose a reduction method that is safe and meet the needs of the patient and the ED team.
• Sling, swathe, reduction, surgery, or benign neglect? Evidence on each is reviewed.

Objectives:
Upon competion of this article, you should be able to:
• Differentiate shoulder fractures, dislocations, and overuse syndromes.
• Order and interpret imaging studies to determine diagnosis of shoulder injury.
• Select pain management strategies that maximize patient comfort and safety and improve reduction outcomes.
• Appropriately refer patients requiring surgical consultation.