Bedside orthopedic procedures

Orthopedic bedside procedures commonly are performed and are appropriate. As the complexity of patient needs increases and resources are stretched, more patient care, including orthopedic procedures, will be performed in cost-effective but safe environments such as the monitored intensive care setting. Medical technology and expertise are expanding rapidly, and these improved resources can and will allow more procedures to be performed safely and effectively outside the operating room. The decision to perform a specific procedure on a specific patient in a specific environment requires careful consideration of the risk to benefit ratio. This consideration should involve the patient, the physicians, and the entire health care team.