What is a common field management step for suspected hip fracture?

What is a common field management step for suspected hip fracture?

• A. Immobilize the leg and transport
• B. Apply gentle traction to realign bones
• C. Move the patient to walk to the ambulance
• D. Massage the hip

Answer: (C)

In suspected hip fracture, the priority is to minimize movement of the injured leg and get the patient to definitive care as quickly as possible. Immobilizing the leg in the position found and securing it to prevent shifting protects surrounding tissues, reduces pain, and lowers the risk of further injury to the hip, blood vessels, or other structures. In the field you should avoid trying to realign bones, massaging the area, or moving the patient in a way that allows them to walk to the ambulance. Instead, use a suitable rigid or padded splint or a vacuum device to immobilize the entire leg from the groin to the foot and secure the patient to a backboard or stretcher for transport. Keep them warm, monitor for signs of shock, and reassess neurovascular status distal to the injury during transport.

In suspected hip fracture, the priority is to minimize movement of the injured leg and get the patient to definitive care as quickly as possible. Immobilizing the leg in the position found and securing it to prevent shifting protects surrounding tissues, reduces pain, and lowers the risk of further injury to the hip, blood vessels, or other structures. In the field you should avoid trying to realign bones, massaging the area, or moving the patient in a way that allows them to walk to the ambulance. Instead, use a suitable rigid or padded splint or a vacuum device to immobilize the entire leg from the groin to the foot and secure the patient to a backboard or stretcher for transport. Keep them warm, monitor for signs of shock, and reassess neurovascular status distal to the injury during transport.