Evaluation and management of the high-risk orthopedic emergency

Orthopedic injuries are frequently seen in the ED. Whereas the diagnosis and management of most of these injuries is straightforward, there are distinct pitfalls to avoid. The common theme among the high-risk "pitfall" injuries discussed in this article, besides a thorough patient history and careful physical examination with appropriate radiographs, is a high suspicion for the presence of these injuries. When the EP is knowledgeable about these orthopedic pitfalls, these injuries are much less likely to slip by in clinical practice.