The Management of Orthopaedic Emergencies for the Community Surgeon

Orthopaedic emergencies demand rapid recognition and decisive action, particularly in resource-constrained or nontertiary settings where the community surgeon often serves as the first and only line of defense. It is important to provide a practical, evidence-informed guide for the management of musculoskeletal injuries, including irreducible joint dislocations, ultra-low-energy knee dislocations, open fractures with vascular compromise, compartment syndrome, and femoral neck fractures in young patients. Emphasis is placed on early diagnosis, stabilization strategies, soft-tissue management, and the integration of adjunct technologies. Technical pearls, decision-making frameworks, and contemporary research support timely intervention and optimize outcomes, especially in settings wherein access to subspecialty care may be limited.