Essentials 1 Fracture of the hip is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly, with a large impact on health care and resources. 2 Hip injuries are frequently a pathological disease of the elderly. However, hip fractures…
Essentials 1 Pelvic fractures account for 3% of skeletal fractures. 2 Fractures are either stable or unstable. Unstable fractures result from considerable mechanical force; they are associated with concomitant injuries and with a significant overall mortality. 3 Understanding the mechanism…
Essentials 1 Hand injuries are common, and most, if treated early and competently, carry a good prognosis. 2 A comprehensive knowledge of hand anatomy and function is essential for appropriate management of the injured hand. 3 Aftercare and rehabilitation, ideally…
Essentials 1 Forearm fractures are among the most common fractures seen in the emergency department (ED). 2 When the need for or potential success of reduction is being assessed, the external appearance of the limb is a key feature. 3…
Essentials 1 Fractures of the proximal humerus occur primarily in the elderly, whereas distal humeral fractures occur more often in children. 2 Falls producing fractures in elderly patients are often precipitated by an underlying medical problem that should be sought…
Essentials 1 Elbow dislocations are the third most common large joint dislocations. 2 Surgical intervention is rarely required for simple elbow dislocations. 3 Surgical intervention may be required when fractures of the radius, ulna and humerus are associated with elbow…
Essentials 1 Most clavicular fractures heal despite displacement; therefore reduction is not necessary. 2 Injuries to the shoulder region may also involve injury to local neurovascular structures. 3 Acromioclavicular joint injuries and fractures of the scapula are usually treated conservatively.…
Essentials 1 Early prediction of massive transfusion and activation of massive transfusion guidelines can ease some of challenges of resuscitation. 2 Systems should be instituted for effective prenotification of patients at risk of massive transfusion and a team-based approach to…
Essentials 1 Effective triage and advances in the treatment of severely burned patients, including judicious fluid resuscitation, control of sepsis, early excision and use of skin substitutes, have made previously lethal burns survivable. 2 Signs of impending or developed laryngeal…
Essentials 1 Good cosmesis can be achieved in the emergency department with conservative treatment, thorough debridement and accurate apposition of everted skin edges. 2 Choose a suture that is monofilament, causes little tissue reactivity and retains tensile strength until the…