title: Initial management of hand injuries in the emergency patient.
abstract: Failure to develop a proper routine for complete examination and documentation of the injured hand may result in the inability to make the proper diagnosis. Less than optimal treatment may result. Ultimately, the end result is unnecessary functional loss and, frequently, medical-legal difficulties. Initial emergency department management of acute hand is reviewed: recognition of surgical emergencies, proper initial treatment of tendon and nerve injuries, splinting, and record keeping are emphasized.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Altman
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Knuth
mesh_terms: D004630:Emergencies; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000628:therapy; D020196:Trauma, Nervous System