Pulse oximetry in closed limb fractures

Recent sporadic reports have described the role pulse oximetry might play in monitoring trauma victims, and specifically in the assessment of patients with limb fractures where doubt exists concerning the adequacy of limb blood flow distal to the fracture after manipulation. The results of a prospective study to determine the changes in arterial oxygen saturation as shown by pulse oximetry before and after manipulation are presented. The results suggest that the pulse oximeter may be of use in confirming the presence or absence of adequate blood flow distal to a fracture, but that this information should be considered in the light of the clinical findings. The role of pulse oximetry in the early detection of a compartment syndrome complicating a closed limb fracture has yet to be determined.