Management of acute trauma

Diagnosis and treatment of acute trauma to the foot and ankle present a continuing challenge to the foot specialist. Through the awareness and implementation of fundamental and rational management principles excellent results can be obtained. This presentation stresses the importance of (1) attaining hemostasis; (2) performing a detailed history and physical examination to elicit the mechanism and extent of the injury; (3) establishing a diagnosis with proper classification of the injury; and (4) instituting effective primary measures to minimize complications, restore normal function, and promote rapid healing.