Orthopaedics & Trauma Pathways

NOF fracture classification, surgical timing, and perioperative management

Assessment and management of distal radius fractures — acceptable alignment, casting vs surgical fixation

Weber classification, Ottawa rules, and surgical vs conservative management

Emergency MSCC pathway — diagnosis, dexamethasone, and urgent surgical/radiation decision

Gustilo-Anderson classification, antibiotics, and timing of definitive treatment for open fractures

ED triage pathways for upper limb injuries — Clavicle, Shoulder, Humerus, Elbow, Wrist, Forearm, Hand and Fingers. Adapted for Irish & UK EDs.

ED triage pathways for lower limb injuries — Pelvis, Hip, Femur, Knee, Tibia, Fibula, Ankle and Foot. Adapted for Irish & UK EDs.

ED triage pathways for spinal injuries — C-spine, T-spine, L-spine, whiplash, non-traumatic back pain, and cauda equina syndrome. Adapted for Irish & UK EDs.

ED triage for elderly / fragility fractures — surgical vs non-surgical pathways with orthogeriatric co-management. Adapted for Irish & UK EDs.

Cauda Equina Syndrome clinical pathway.

History + examination, MRI, conservative + surgical for ACL / meniscal repair.

Anterior most common; recognise vascular / nerve injury; reduction techniques; investigate Bankart / Hill-Sachs.

FOOSH mechanism; high suspicion = empirical immobilisation; MRI for occult fracture; AVN risk in waist + proximal pole.

High-energy mechanism; Young-Burgess classification; pelvic binder + transfusion + IR / surgery; FAST + CT.

Sudden 'kick' sensation, palpable gap, positive Simmonds-Thompson — conservative (functional brace) vs surgical (athlete).

Recognise red flags (cauda equina), conservative + analgesia + physio, MRI for refractory, surgery for severe.

Three phases (freezing / frozen / thawing); diagnosis clinical; physiotherapy + analgesia; intra-articular steroid; surgery for refractory.

Median nerve compression at wrist; nocturnal symptoms + Phalen / Tinel; nerve conduction; splint + steroid → surgery.

NICE NG226 — diagnose clinically, education + exercise + weight, analgesia stepwise, joint replacement for severe.

Lateral hip pain — gluteal tendinopathy / bursitis — exclude differentials, conservative + physiotherapy + injection.

Heel pain worst on first steps; conservative (stretches, orthotics, NSAID); refractory cases steroid / shockwave / surgery.

Lateral / medial epicondylitis — overuse tendinopathy; conservative + physiotherapy; refractory cases shockwave / steroid / PRP.