• best evidence topic reports

Best evidence topic reports (BETs) summarise the evidence pertaining to particular clinical questions. They are not systematic reviews, but rather contain the best (highest level) evidence that can be practically obtained by busy practicing clinicians. The search strategies used to find the best evidence are reported in detail in order to allow clinicians to update searches whenever necessary. The BETs published below were first reported at the Critical Appraisal Journal Club at the Manchester Royal Infirmary¹ or placed on the BestBETs web site. Each BET has been constructed in the four stages that have been described elsewhere.² The BETs shown here together with those published previously and those currently under construction can be seen at http://www.bestbets.org³ Eight BETs are included in this issue of the journal.

• Reduction of pulled elbows

• Alternative treatments for neck sprain

• Tetanus prophylaxis in supeficial corneal abrasions

• Gastric lavage in tricyclic antidepressant overdose

• Treatment of uncomplicated subungual haematoma

• Use of sterile gloves in the treatment of simple wounds

• Antibiotics in orbital floor fractures

• Contraindications to thrombolysis in patients on coumarins