Chapter 9 - Procedures for orthopedic emergencies

Summary

This chapter presents the key facts, indications, contraindications, risks, supplies, equipments, and procedure of treatments of orthopedic emergencies such as regional anesthesia, wrist fractures/dislocations, patella dislocations, shoulder dislocations, and arthrocentesis, through nerve blocks and fracture reduction techniques. The techniques discussed include hematoma block, bier block, ulnar nerve block, radial nerve block, digital block, ring block, femoral nerve block, and arthrocentesis. Prosthetic joints are at high risk for infection. Closed reduction is ineffective for spiral fractures or comminuted fractures as the ends cannot be engaged to prevent shortening. Accurate reduction of the fracture is essential for obtaining good functional results. Early reduction lessens morbidity and improves patient comfort. Fractures can occur in up to 60% of elbow dislocations with supracondylar fractures in children and medial epicondyle fractures in adults being most common.