Going Solo: Techniques for Emergency Fracture Management Without Assistance

Abstract

Orthopaedic injuries represent some of the most frequent conditions treated in emergency centers worldwide. Proper reduction techniques and evaluation of radiographic parameters are paramount in treating patients effectively. Orthopaedic providers at large tertiary centers may have several assistants available but are also burdened by notable patient loads and volumes. Frequently, fracture care may necessitate procedures performed by providers without the availability of skilled assistance, both in large tertiary academic centers and small independent emergency rooms with limited resources. As providers at a busy level 1 tertiary trauma center with only one primary orthopaedic resident responsible for the performance of most fracture reductions, we present both novel techniques and refined published approaches that allow the safe, efficient, and reliable reduction and stabilization of several different types of fracture dislocations with limited or no assistance, and only commonly found supplies.