Musculoskeletal injuries represent a significant proportion of presentations to the Emergency Department. In this podcast, James talks with Dr Nicholas Maluga about the initial fracture assessment and management priorities for patients with trauma and fractures.
Summary Writer: Dennis Neuen
Script Writer: Dan Heitman
Editor: Nicholas Maluga
Interviewee: Nicholas Maluga
Dr Nicholas Maluga graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2009 with a double degree of Bachelor of Medical Science and Bachelor of Surgery. He completed his internship and resident years at the Monash Medical Centre in Melbourne and relocated to Sydney to complete his Masters of Surgery from University of Sydney in 2013. Since then, Nick has been working as an Orthopaedic Registrar at St Vincents Hospital, John Hunter Hospital and is currently at Nepean Hospital.
Nick is currently working to complete his second Masters of Clinical Epidemiology from University of Newcastle. His early research interests were in Paediatric Orthopaedics and he completed and presented at the Australian Orthopaedic Association meeting a large research project which looked into physiotherapist led screening for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in newborns. Nick’s current research interest lies in utilising technologies to deliver and streamline healthcare and physiotherapy access to remote areas.
With Dr Nick Maluga, Orthopaedic Registrar, Nepean Hospital, Sydney, Australia
Up to 70% of all Emergency Department (ED) presentations are musculoskeletally related. All junior doctors will have significant exposure to fractures, whether in ED or on an Orthopaedic rotation. It is essential to have a basic understanding of initial assessment and the management priorities in patients with trauma and fractures.
You are working in the ED as a junior doctor and you’re told about the next patient, a “29-year-old male, high-speed trauma, obvious deformity to left leg, splint administered by paramedics.” What is your approach?
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