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

Emerg Med Pract. 2017 Dec 20;19(12 Suppl Points & Pearls):1-2.

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.].

MeSH terms

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