After reviewing more than 350 research studies on the topic, the guidelines including 14 recommendations on fracture care were finalized. Recommendations in the guidelines include:
• Recommendation for surgeons to stabilize the fracture with “two or three laterally introduced pins to stabilize the reduction of displaced, misaligned, supracondylar fractures of the humerus.”
• Patients receive procedures to restore blood flow and circulation if the artery has been scratched, torn or severed through gentle realignment of the arm.
• If a pulse doesn’t return to the arm after realignment, the guidelines recommend surgical “exploration” of blood vessels and nerves in front of the elbow.
In cases where the patient doesn’t have a pulse but the hand feels warm, has visible color from circulation and the patient is able to move the muscles in the forearm, the guideline does not recommend surgery because there is evidence of hand tissue nourishment.
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AAOS Releases Treatment Guidelines for Torn Achilles Tendon
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