Approach to the Critical Patient

Immediate priorities

Stabilization triggers

Limb threat screening

Neurovascular status

Pain and immobilization

Analgesia strategy

Immobilization

Key concepts and escalation

High risk patterns

Consultation triggers

History

Mechanism and context

Injury narrative

Timing

Functional baseline

Symptoms and red flags

Pain profile

Neurologic symptoms

Vascular symptoms

Skin concerns

Risk factors and modifiers

Bone health

Bleeding and infection risk

Surgical considerations

Physical Exam

Inspection and palpation

Shoulder assessment

Palpation landmarks

Range of motion and stability

Motion tolerance

Glenohumeral stability screen

Neurovascular exam and complications

Axillary nerve focus

Distal nerve screen

Vascular focus

Compartment syndrome awareness

Differential Diagnosis

Traumatic shoulder girdle conditions

Mimics and associated injuries

Nontraumatic or complicating diagnoses

Alternate considerations

Laboratory Tests

Baseline and preoperative labs

Lab selection based on context

Point of care testing

ED adjuncts

Interpretation and pitfalls

Limitations

Diagnostic Tests

Scoring Systems

Classification systems

MRI

MRI indications

MRI limitations

CT

CT indications

CT protocol notes

Ultrasound

Ultrasound use cases

Ultrasound limitations

Radiographs

Initial imaging set

Radiographic pearls

Disposition

Level of care decisions

Admission indications

Discharge criteria

Follow up and timing

Ortho follow up

Repeat imaging plan

Treatment

Analgesia

Pain control regimen

Antiemetic adjunct

Immobilization and nonoperative care

Initial management

Typical nonoperative indications

Procedural and ED interventions

Reduction scenarios

Sedation and regional anesthesia options

Operative management overview

Surgical options

Evidence and guideline framing

Antibiotics and tetanus for open fracture

Open fracture prophylaxis

Tetanus prophylaxis

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy considerations

Geriatric

Older adult priorities

Pediatrics

Pediatric specifics

Background

Epidemiology

Epidemiologic facts

Pathophysiology

Anatomy and injury mechanism

Therapeutic Considerations

Treatment principles

Patient Discharge Instructions

Copy discharge instructions

Home care plan

Follow up

Return to ED now for

References

Clinical guidelines and society resources

Proximal humerus fracture management guidance

Evidence based sources

Core evidence

Coding systems

Coding references

SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.