Browse categories and answer follow-up questions to refine your symptom profile.
Immediate priorities
Initial stabilization
Airway and breathing compromise uncommon
Escalate for altered mental status from multisystem trauma
Circulation threats
Major hemorrhage rare unless open fracture or associated injury
Pain and distress
Early analgesia before repeated exams and imaging (ACEP Level C)
Neurovascular risk
Immediate reassessment after any manipulation or splinting (ACEP Level C)
Limb threat screening
Limb threat triggers
Pulseless extremity
If pale cool hand, emergent orthopaedics and reduction pathway (Class I)
If pink warm hand, urgent orthopaedics and frequent reassessment (Class I)
Compartment syndrome concern
Disproportionate pain
Pain with passive finger extension
Increasing analgesic requirement
Skin tenting or threatened open fracture
Immediate orthopaedics notification (Class I)
Initial immobilization
Temporary immobilization
Posterior long arm splint
Elbow flexion target 60-90 degrees if perfusion intact
Avoid flexion > 90 degrees if swelling or vascular concern
Sling and elevation
Hand at or above heart level
Post-splint checks
Radial pulse and capillary refill
Median AIN motor
Radial PIN motor
Ulnar motor
Sensation median ulnar radial
Key concepts
High-risk features
Gartland type II and III
Higher neurovascular complication rates
Medial column comminution
Varus malunion risk
Flexion-type injury
Ulnar nerve injury risk
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.