Musculo-skeletal problems in emergency medicine (Oxford Handbooks in Emergency Medicine)

Musculo-skeletal problems underlie many of the cases seen by doctors working in accident and emergency departments. Although many of these problems may be considered less serious, when compared to others seen in ER departments, a misdiagnosis could have far-reaching, even fatal consequences. It is also the area where statistically emergency physicians are most likely to make an erroneous diagnosis.

Musculo-skeletal Problems in Emergency Medicine provides guidelines on the history taking and examination of patients with musculo-skeletal problems. The book starts by explaining the pathology of musculo-skeletal injuries, describing the wide range of non-traumatic musculo-skeletal problems encountered in the emergency room. Each section of the body is then dealt with in detail, with advice given on the management of specific patient presentations. Throughout, emphasis is placed on the diagnosis of traumatic and non-traumatic injuries, and detailed guidance provided on their initial investigation, management, and ongoing referral.