This document discusses injuries to the pelvis and extremities. It covers the following key points:
- Injuries to the pelvis and extremities are common, accounting for 85% of blunt trauma cases. Improper management can have devastating consequences.
- Initial priorities in managing musculoskeletal injuries are to save the patient's life, save endangered limbs, save affected joints, and restore function. Unstable pelvic injuries can lead to life-threatening bleeding.
- Diagnostic imaging begins with x-rays of the pelvis and extremities. Computed tomography is frequently used to evaluate fractures in more detail.
- Injuries are classified based on the bone/segment involved, fracture type (simple