Shoulder Case 6 ED Management

Any patient with a neurovascular deficit, an open fracture, or a distal spiral shaft fracture needs ED orthopedic consultation. Most humeral shaft fractures, however, are treated conservatively. Transverse fractures can be managed with a sugar-tong splint and a sling. Spiral or oblique fractures will often require traction and should have a coaptation splint or a hanging arm splint. Do not use a sling in these cases because it worsens displacement.