Radiology Review

Secondary Survey of Trauma Patient

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Fracture, pain, orthopedics image

What is your impression?


You are assisting in the evaluation and management of a trauma patient who was brought to your facility earlier today, following a motor vehicle collision. He is estimated to be in his 30s and is presumed to have been ejected, as he was found outside the vehicle. He was intubated in the field, and primary survey and resuscitation have been completed. History is otherwise unknown. The patient’s vital signs are currently stable. As you perform your secondary survey, you note that his right hand and wrist appear to be moderately swollen. He has been placed in a splint. You order a radiograph of the hand. What is your impression?


 

References

ANSWER
The radiograph shows a slightly displaced fracture of the distal fourth metacarpal head. No other injuries are present.

The patient’s hand was left in the splint, and orthopedic evaluation was obtained.

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