Ministry of Health

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 Published: 28/11/2011

Extremity Trauma

Look for deformity or bruising, feel for pain and listen for bruits over haematomas.

Do a neurovascular exam.

X-ray suspicious areas, including the joint either side. A common missed injury is the fracture distal to a fracture in the same limb.

Wounds should be accurately described, so subsequent examinations are not required. Repeated examination of wounds that are under sterile dressings is counterproductive.

After splinting or traction the neurovascular state of the limb is reassessed.

Last updated on 28/11/2011