Musculo-Skeletal Problems in Emergency Medicine

Musculo-skeletal problems underlie many of the cases seen by doctors working in accident and emergency departments. It is estimated that over 4 million patients per annum will attend an A and E department in England and Wales with such a condition. Although many of these problems may beconsidered less serious, when compared to others seen in A and E departments, a misdiagnosis could have far reaching and even fatal consequences. It is also the area where statistically A and E doctors are most likely to make an error of diagnosis. Musculo-skeletal problems in emergency medicineprovides guidelines on the history taking and examination of patients with musculo-skeletal problems. The book starts by explaining the pathology of musculo-skeletal injuries, describing the wide range of non-traumatic musculo-skeletal problems that present to an A and E department. Each section ofthe body is then dealt with in detail, with advice given on the management of Uspecific patient presentations. Throughout, emphasis is placed on the diagnosis of traumatic and non-traumatic injuries, and detailed guidance provided on their initial investigation, management, and ongoing referral. The book is fully illustrated and includes 'key points' at the start of each chapter.

Jim Wardrope is Consultant in Accident and Emergency Medicine, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield.