title: Extremity trauma: field management of sports injuries.
abstract: Traumatic injuries to the extremities are common in athletic competitions. The practitioner providing coverage of sporting events must be prepared to diagnose and provide initial treatment of these injuries. A thorough history and physical examination should result in a provisional diagnosis. Many injuries will require subsequent radiographs or orthopedic consultation. Limb threatening emergencies are rare but must be promptly recognized and referred to a hospital. Early treatment can protect athletes from further injury and may hasten their return to competition. Some athletes with extremity trauma can return to the contest, but this decision must be made on an individual basis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of New Mexico, MSC 10 5600, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA, dwascher@salud.unm.edu.
authors.forename: Daniel C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Wascher
authors.forename: Luke
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bulthuis