This observational study reported patient data derived from the emergency files of a primary health care (PHC) center in Greece, with the aim of providing potential solutions for a well-organized, well-structured, and effective social healthcare system. This series was conducted at a single urban PHC center in Greece between August 2017 and March 2020. A total of 83,592 patient visits were registered. The mean patient age was 42.5 years (range: three months to 93 years). Demographics, presenting complaints, and the need for patients who visited the healthcare center to be referred to tertiary hospitals were examined. Further perspectives and future strategies to strengthen the national PHC system were addressed. The most common reasons for visits were pathological (33.6%), followed by general surgery (21.2%) and orthopedics (18.1%). Pediatric conditions accounted for 12% of visits, cardiological conditions accounted for 8.6%, and dental problems accounted for 6.8%. The majority of the patients (n = 81,317, 97.3%) were managed within the health center, and only 2.7% of cases (n = 2275) needed to be referred to a secondary or tertiary healthcare structure. Reasons for patient referral included the severity or complexity of the patient's situation, lack of a specific medical specialty, and the unavailability of overnight laboratory tests. The PHC center remains the cornerstone of a high-quality healthcare system. A well-structured PHC unit can improve health outcomes and decongest secondary and tertiary health care.
Objective. The aim of the present study was to describe the causes involved in the pathophysiology of coccydynia, emerging from the coccyx or the anatomical tailbone region. Case Report. We present the case of a 64-year-old man with pain in the coccyx and numbness in the perianal area. After clinical examination and imaging evaluation, including plain X-rays and magnetic resonance, coccygeal disc disease was identified. Other findings, such as tumor and fracture were excluded. We decided to undertake conservative management and the pain was eventually relieved. This is the first case report of coccygodynia and perianal numbness attributed to coccygeal disc disease. Conclusion. Although there is no standard treatment, coexisting coccygeal disc disease should be always taken into account, with clinical and imaging examinations being considered of major importance to establish both medical diagnosis and treatment.
Shoulder arthroscopy is considered a very safe surgical procedure; however, there are possible complications that are prevalent or devastating. This article presents a 52-year-old woman scheduled for elective arthroscopic rotator cuff repair under general anesthesia in the lateral decubitus position. Postoperatively, the patient experienced dyspnea, chest pain, and oxygen desaturation, and a diagnosis of pneumothorax was made. A chest tube was inserted promptly and the patient was discharged in a good condition, experiencing an uneventful follow-up for the next four months. Knowledge of this uncommon complication may enable both surgeons and anesthesiologists to set up preventive and early therapeutic management.
Empty toe injury is a rare type of closed degloving injury; limited cases have been reported previously, with controversial outcomes. Our case is a 22 year old male who was injured by a trolley bus. The patient presented at our emergency department with extensive swelling of the right foot, deformity of the fifth toe, bruising and intact skin. On clinical examination the phalangeal bone could not be palpated in the fifth toe and there was no capillary refill. The patient underwent open reduction combined with fasciotomies. The toe regained perfusion after the reduction and was under close observation to ensure its viability. Finally the distal and part of the middle phalanx of the toe was amputated. The purpose of this report is to inform health providers about this unique type of injury and contribute to a more sufficient treatment plan.