Diagnosis and management of arterial injuries associated with limb fracture or dislocation. (2nd March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hussain, SA; Walters, S; Ahluwalia, A; Trompeter, A
• Is Part Of: British journal of hospital medicine. Volume 83:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2022-03-02
• Subjects: Arterial injury -- BOAST guideline -- Orthopaedics -- Trauma -- Vascular; Medicine -- Periodicals; Hospital care -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2021.0454
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-8460

Abstract

Abstract : An arterial injury is a time-critical emergency and, when associated with a fracture or dislocation, its management requires joint specialist input from orthopaedic and vascular or plastic surgeons. Initial management involves haemorrhage control and stabilisation of the patient, reduction and splinting of the limb and careful reassessment. With ongoing vascular compromise, urgent surgery is indicated to restore arterial flow and stabilise the skeleton, and this should be performed at a centre with appropriate expertise. This article provides an evidence-based review of the British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma for the diagnosis and management of arterial injuries associated with extremity fractures and dislocations.