The wrist or carpus is a highly mobile structure composed of many small bones and joints. In the anatomy of the human hand, a total of 13 bones form part of the wrist- eight carpal bones- scaphoid, lunate, triquetral, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid, capitate and hamate; and five metacarpal bones which are joined along with two long bones of the forearm- the radius and the ulna (Platzer 2004). This complex system of articulations works in unison to provide a global range of motion for the wrist joint. Motion at the wrist joint occurs between the radius and the carpal bones, which function as a single unit, and between the carpals and metacarpals. These bones allow movements as supination, pronation, adduction, abduction, flexion and extension. The wrist is the most commonly injured region of the upper extremity
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Most simple Colles’ type fractures are manipulated in A&E by senior doctors once they have received instruction from senior colleagues. Most complicated fractures are referred to orthopaedic team for reduction in theatre. The role of the Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) to the patient with this type of injury commences at assessment and ends upon discharge or referral. Arranging appropriate investigation such as X-ray of the wrist and giving initial analgesia are amongst the initial management. ENP usually have the experience to deal with this type of injury safely and effectively. Having the ENPs undertake the role of assessment, diagnosis and treatment of Colles’ fractures, saves time on patient’s stay in A&E and releases senior clinicians to attend more complex presentations. The ENP can appropriately refer to practice. Being with the patient throughout their stay in the A&E from history taking, treatment up to their discharge or referral provides continuity of care for the patient and a great sense of satisfaction for the clinician as they can provide whole package of
Most simple Colles’ type fractures are manipulated in A&E by senior doctors once they have received instruction from senior colleagues. Most complicated fractures are referred to orthopaedic team for reduction in theatre. The role of the Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) to the patient with this type of injury commences at assessment and ends upon discharge or referral. Arranging appropriate investigation such as X-ray of the wrist and giving initial analgesia are amongst the initial management. ENP usually have the experience to deal with this type of injury safely and effectively. Having the ENPs undertake the role of assessment, diagnosis and treatment of Colles’ fractures, saves time on patient’s stay in A&E and releases senior clinicians to attend more complex presentations. The ENP can appropriately refer to practice. Being with the patient throughout their stay in the A&E from history taking, treatment up to their discharge or referral provides continuity of care for the patient and a great sense of satisfaction for the clinician as they can provide whole package of