title: Acute complications of extremity trauma.
abstract: In addition to the large number of patients with isolated limb injuries, many patients with major blunt or penetrating trauma harbor extremity injuries as a component of their overall clinical picture. Extremity injuries range from gross deformities and amputations to more subtle injuries, potentially difficult to diagnose, or may escape detection in unconscious or intoxicated patients. However, many soft tissue and vascular injuries require time sensitive interventions to ensure salvage of the limb and the best outcome for the patient. This article reviews the acute management of vascular and soft tissue injuries in the emergency department.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, LAC+USC Medical Center, Building GNH 1011, 1200 North State Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. ednewton@usc.edu
authors.forename: Edward J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Newton
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Love
mesh_terms: D000673:Amputation, Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D001158:Arteries / Q000293:injuries*; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D003444:Crush Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005121:Extremities / Q000293:injuries*; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy