How to Define an Orthopedic Emergency

 

Medical emergencies are enervating for everyone; the one who suffers and his/her family members & friends. Such cases require immediate medical attention as a delay might be life-threatening. Medical emergencies could be of different types, and one the commonest is related to the musculoskeletal system. Such cases are known as “orthopedic emergencies.” These are the orthopedic conditions that require quick medical care. ER visits are common in such cases.

Here, we’ll have a detailed discussion on what an orthopedic emergency is and what you need to do in such situations.

Orthopedic injuries occurring due to high-impact traumas often come under emergencies, and if such a situation occurs, calling an ambulance is always a good idea. Let us gain some deep insights into the condition.

What is Known as an Orthopedic Emergency?

An orthopedic emergency is a situation where an injury to bone and/or soft tissue has occurred in such a way that immediate medical attention is required. Such conditions are generally noticed after high-energy traumatic injuries that involve car crashes or fall from a height.

Orthopedic emergencies are also known to occur as a result of existing health conditions like arthritis, any acute injury, or previous surgeries.

Some of the common cases that fall under orthopedic emergencies include open fractures, multi-fragmentary fractures, tendon ruptures, concussions, closed fractures where the person becomes unable to move the affected limb, and dislocations. These types of orthopedic injuries need to be quickly identified and the patient needs to be sent to the hospital without wasting much time. Surgery is required in most of these cases, and if a broken bone condition is there, orthopedic devices are required to be used.

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Bone infections, blood clots, too much swelling in the veins, and recurring injuries could also contribute to orthopedic emergencies.

What to do in the case of an Orthopedic Emergency?

It is very important to quickly identify an orthopedic emergency because a delay might worsen up the situation. In most cases, the patient is required to be taken to the emergency room. There, the doctor will quickly perform required tests followed by feasible surgery to minimize the threat. ER visits are often preferred when the person becomes unconscious after the injury, or the internal material has come out of the skin. Call for an ambulance to take the patient to the hospital.

If a closed fracture is there, the person can also be taken to walk-in-clinics or urgent care facilities. These facilities are also known to provide almost the same care as an emergency room.

Is Pain an Indicator of Emergency Situation?

No, it is a myth. Pain is an indicator of a disease or injury; its intensity cannot define the seriousness of the condition. This is because certain chronic conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis cause intense pain but, they are not life-threatening.

This doesn’t mean that pain should be ignored as only a detailed diagnosis can define whether the condition should be considered an orthopedic emergency or not.

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