Evaluation and management of the high-risk orthopedic emergency.
Orthopedic injuries are frequently seen in the ED. Whereas the diagnosis and management of most of these injuries is straightforward, there are distinct pitfalls to avoid. The common theme among the high-risk "pitfall" injuries discussed in this article, besides a thorough patient history and careful physical examination with appropriate radiographs, is a high suspicion for the presence of these injuries. When the EP is knowledgeable about these orthopedic pitfalls, these injuries are much less likely to slip by in clinical practice.
Perron
Andrew D
AD
Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Box 800699, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. adp9b@virginia.edu
Brady
William J
WJ
D000328:Adult; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*