About Matt Astin, MD

ALiEM Guest Contributor
Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency/Internal Medicine
Mercer University School of Medicine
Houston Medical Center (Warner Robins, GA)

Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocations: Diagnosis and Treatment

A 16-year-old football player presents to the emergency department directly from a game. He was tackled, falling onto his right shoulder. The patient is complaining of right-sided chest pain. On exam, there is tenderness over the right sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) with a prominent medial clavicle. Range of motion is limited in the right arm. What diagnostic studies need to be performed? What treatment is warranted in the emergency department?

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By Matt Astin, MD|2019-02-06T20:11:22-08:00Jul 21, 2014|Orthopedic|

AC Joint Separations: Overview of diagnosis and treatment

Separation of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint is a common injury encountered in the emergency department. Keys to optimal outcome and return of function in these patients include knowledge of injury mechanism, diagnosis and classification, and initial treatment.

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By Matt Astin, MD|2016-11-13T09:43:33-08:00Jun 11, 2014|Orthopedic|

Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: Are Prereduction Films Needed?

A patient comes into your department with an obvious shoulder dislocation. You know you can easily reduce the shoulder and have the patient discharged before the orthopedic consultant calls back. But what if there is a fracture? Do you need to get that plain film before popping it back into place?

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By Matt Astin, MD|2018-02-06T17:49:09-08:00Jun 24, 2013|Orthopedic, Radiology|

EM-IM Residency Training: Is 5 Years Worth It?

As a new member of the ALiEM team, I am joining Dr. Salim Rezaie as the second member to be board certified in both Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine. Since 2006, I have been asked numerous times, “Why EM/IM?” My answer is simple: I like both. But five years of residency and not be a surgeon? What can you do with this type of training?

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By Matt Astin, MD|2017-11-06T18:57:12-08:00May 28, 2013|Education Articles, Medical Education|