Extremity fractures in children: when is it an emergency?

Abstract

Not all pediatric fractures require emergent orthopedic attention. The information needed to assess and provide the appropriate interventions to children and their families following an extremity fracture is discussed in this article. A case study is used to describe a fracture that requires emergent intervention. The role of the pediatric orthopaedic nurse practitioner in the emergency department, inpatient, and outpatient setting is also illustrated.