title: Trauma to elbows, knees, and ankles.
abstract: In summary, the emergency department or office-based physician should distinguish first between inflammation and injury. A clinical diagnosis of fracture should be made before obtaining and reading films. Comparison views help to resolve doubt. A neurologic examination should be documented before undertaking reduction. Finally, if in doubt, a splint for 24 to 48 hours until an orthopedic opinion is available causes no harm.
authors.affiliation: Los Angeles County University of Southern California Medical Center 90033.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hodge
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gregg
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Christofersen
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D016512:Ankle Injuries; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D009819:Office Visits; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods*; D010808:Physical Examination; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013165:Splints; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D000092464:Elbow Injuries