Orthopedic Case Report

Urgent Message: Rapid identification of Lisfranc injuries in urgent care is critical, as delays in diagnosis can lead to chronic disability. Most patients with Lisfranc fractures or dislocations should be referred directly to the emergency department. Cross-sectional imaging (ie, computed tomography) and orthopedic consultation are time-sensitive, and urgent operative repair is often indicated. Alexandra Eby, BS; Nicole Meschbach, MD Questions for the Urgent Care Clinician at the Bedside Which injury patterns and historical features are associated with Lisfranc injuries? Can the physical exam reliably differentiate between Lisfranc and other midfoot …
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Urgent Message: Osteoarthritis of the hip most commonly affects older adults and those with other risk factors including obesity and prior hip injury. It is a diagnosis of exclusion, therefore, the initial priority in urgent care for patients presenting with hip pain involves excluding alternative, time-sensitive etiologies. Alex Dragota, BSME; Matthew Baird, MD; Michael Weinstock, MD Citation: Dragota A, Baird M, Weinstock M. Urgent Care Evaluation and Management of Hip Osteoarthritis. J Urgent Care Med. 2025; 19(6):15-21 Questions for the Clinician at the Bedside Which patients are most likely to …
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Urgent Message: The vast majority of shoulder dislocations are anterior, occurring when stress is applied to an externally rotated and abducted shoulder. In most cases, immediate reduction is indicated, and urgent care clinicians should be familiar with situations that call for emergency department referral. Jennifer Hicks, DO; Matthew B. Baird, MD Citation: Hicks J, Baird MB. Urgent Care Assessment and Management of Shoulder Dislocations. J Urgent Care Med. 2025; 19(5):9-15 Questions for the Clinician at the Bedside When should a shoulder dislocation be suspected? How is shoulder dislocation diagnosed? Which …
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Urgent Message: Rib fractures most commonly occur after blunt chest injury. Consider serious associated injuries such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, and pulmonary contusion when assessing patients with suspected rib fractures. Ensuring appropriate analgesia is critical for reducing the risk of complications. Dustin M. Nelson, BS; Shering Torres, MAS, MD; Michael Weinstock, MD Citation: Nelson DM, Torres S, Weinstock M. Urgent Care Considerations for the Patient with Suspected Rib Fracture. J Urgent Care Med. 2025; 19(4): 13-21 Questions for the Clinician at the Bedside When should rib fractures be suspected? Which patients …
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Urgent Message: Fractures of the midshaft ulna, commonly referred to as “nightstick fractures,” typically occur after direct injury to a forearm outstretched above the head as a protective mechanism. Evaluation includes inquiry into the circumstances of the assault, assessment for any other areas of trauma, examination of the skin, wrist and elbow joints, and radiography of the forearm. Management of closed, nondisplaced midshaft ulnar fractures centers around splint immobilization and arrangement of appropriate follow-up. Chandrika Janumpalli, BS; William Bradley Strauch, MD  Citation: Janumpalli C, Strauch WB. Urgent Care Diagnosis and …
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