Dr. Imran Lasker's Monthly Case Webinar #1: Pediatric Fractures, Mandibular Injuries, Spine Trauma, and Chest X-ray Interpretation

In May 2022, Dr. Imran Lasker, a specialist in MSK and general radiology, hosted the first installment of his Monthly Case Webinar series. This engaging session, available in full on YouTube, offered valuable insights into various radiological cases, emphasizing the importance of careful observation and interpretation in medical imaging.

You can interact directly with the cases by checking out the Monthly Case Webinar #1 Collection on Collective Minds.

Key Highlights from the Webinar

1. Pediatric Elbow Fractures

Dr. Lasker began with a case of a pediatric elbow injury, highlighting the challenges in interpreting growth plates versus fractures. He emphasized the importance of looking for:

• Cortication patterns near growth plates
• The "champagne glass sign" in lateral views
• Posterior fat pad signs indicating joint effusion

This case underscored the subtleties involved in pediatric radiology and the need for careful examination of seemingly normal structures. Watch this section

2. Mandibular Fractures

Moving to the oral region, Dr. Lasker discussed a case involving a mandibular fracture. He stressed several key points:

• The importance of examining the entire mandible due to its circular nature
• The high prevalence of fractures in the angle of the mandible
• The need to look for multiple fractures, as mandibular fractures often occur in pairs

This case highlighted the importance of systematic examination in radiological studies. Watch this section

3. Lumbar Spine Injuries

In a case of lower back pain following a fall, Dr. Lasker demonstrated the importance of:

• Checking vertebral and intervertebral heights
• Examining alignment of the spine
• Paying close attention to the T12-L2 region, a common site for fractures

He also pointed out the subtleties in identifying end-plate injuries, which can be as minor as a discontinuity in the vertebral cortex. Watch this section

4. Hand Injuries

Dr. Lasker presented a case of a hand injury, likely from punching. He emphasized:

• The importance of examining the 4th and 5th metacarpals in such injuries
• The need to look for subtle fractures that might be obscured by overlapping bones

This case demonstrated the value of knowing high-yield areas for specific injury mechanisms. Watch this section

5. Chest X-rays in Trauma

In discussing chest x-rays, Dr. Lasker highlighted:

• The importance of looking beyond just the lungs
• Checking for pneumothorax, rib fractures, and shoulder dislocations
• The significance of subdiaphragmatic air as a sign of perforated viscus

He also touched on the "Golden S sign," indicating right upper lobe collapse, which can be associated with malignancy or lymphadenopathy. Watch this section

Conclusion

Throughout the webinar, Dr. Lasker consistently emphasized several key principles:

1. The importance of systematic examination
2. Understanding normal anatomy and its variations
3. Recognizing high-yield areas for specific types of injuries
4. The value of comparing with the contralateral side when available
5. The need to consider clinical context alongside radiological findings

This webinar series promises to be an invaluable resource for radiologists and medical imaging professionals, offering practical insights and fostering a global community of learning and collaboration.

As we reflect on the wealth of knowledge shared in this session, we're reminded of the critical role that accurate radiological interpretation plays in patient care. How do you think platforms like Collective Minds Radiology are changing the landscape of radiological education and collaboration on a global scale?

About the speaker Dr. Imran Lasker

Experienced Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. Skilled in Emergency radiology and musculoskeletal radiology. I have a keen interest in teleradiology services and teleradiology service procurement. I am also actively involved in many teaching projects. Strong healthcare services professional graduated from UCL.

At Collective Minds Radiology, we're committed to fostering this type of collaborative learning environment. Our platform connects over 23,000 radiologists and medical imaging professionals worldwide, enabling them to share knowledge, seek help on challenging cases, and continually improve their skills. Join our community today to be part of this global revolution in radiology education and practice.

Saidul Islam, Application Specialist at Collective Minds Radiology

Reviewed by: Pär Kragsterman on September 21, 2024