Risk management and avoiding legal pitfalls in the emergency treatment of high-risk orthopedic injuries.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1-2010

Institution/Department

Emergency Medicine, Medical Education

Journal Title

Emergency medicine clinics of North America

MeSH Headings

Emergency Service, Hospital, Humans, Medical Errors, Orthopedic Procedures, Risk Factors, Risk Management, United States, Wounds and Injuries

Abstract

Avoiding legal pitfalls of orthopedic injuries in the emergency department (ED) requires an understanding of certain high-risk injuries, their presentation, evaluation, and disposition. Various pitfalls pertaining to both upper and lower extremity injuries are discussed in detail, with recommendations regarding the history, physical examination, and radiographic techniques that minimize the risk inherent in these injuries. When approaching these injuries in the ED, a high level of suspicion coupled with appropriate evaluation and management will allow the practitioner to avoid mismanagement of these potential pitfall cases.

ISSN

1558-0539

First Page

969

Last Page

996

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