Managing dislocations of the hip, knee, and ankle in the emergency department [digest].

Abstract

Dislocation of the major joints of the lower extremities--hip, knee, and ankle--can occur due to motor-vehicle crashes, falls, and sports injuries. Hip dislocations are the most common, and they require emergent management to prevent avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Knee dislocations are uncommon but potentially dangerous injuries that can result in amputation due to the potential for missed secondary injury, especially if they are reduced spontaneously. Isolated ankle dislocations are relatively rare, as most ankle dislocations involve an associated fracture. This review presents an algorithmic approach to management that ensures that pain relief, imaging, reduction, vascular monitoring, and emergent orthopedic consultation are carried out in a timely fashion. [Points & Pearls is a digest of Emergency Medicine Practice.].

• Authors: Caylyne Arnold, Zane Fayos, David Bruner, Dylan Arnold, Nachi Gupta, Jeffrey Nusbaum
• Journal: Emergency medicine practice (Emerg Med Pract) Vol. 19 Issue 12 Suppl Points & Pearls Pg. 1-2 (Dec 20 2017) ISSN: 1559-3908 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 29261271 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Accidental Falls
• Accidents, Traffic
• Adult
• Ankle Fractures (diagnosis, surgery, therapy)
• Athletic Injuries
• Emergency Service, Hospital (organization & administration)
• Femur Head (anatomy & histology, blood supply)
• Hip Dislocation (diagnosis, surgery, therapy)
• Humans
• Knee Dislocation (diagnosis, surgery, therapy)
• Knee Joint (anatomy & histology)
• Male
• Orthopedic Procedures (methods, trends)
• Wounds and Injuries (complications, epidemiology)