Orthopedic injuries
Mary P. Mercer
Search for more papers by this authorMary P. Mercer
Search for more papers by this authorDavid C. Cone MD
Professor of Emergency Medicine
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
Search for more papers by this authorJane H. Brice MD, MPH
Professor of Emergency Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Search for more papers by this authorTheodore R. Delbridge MD, MPH
Executive Director
Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, Baltimore, Maryland
Search for more papers by this authorJ. Brent Myers MD, MPH
Chief Medical Officer ESO Associate Medical Director
Wake County EMS, Raleigh, North Carolina
Search for more papers by this authorSummary
Orthopedic injury is a common prehospital chief complaint. Prehospital personnel must appropriately assess and treat a range of bony and ligamentous injuries. Here we discuss common orthopedic injuries of the upper extremity, lower extremity, pelvis, and spine, including tips for neurovascular assessment and splinting. Special topics also include field reduction policies, splinting with nontraditional materials, and management of traumatic amputations.
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