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Limb fracture with vascular compromise — DIPIMC MCQ

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ModeratePre-Hospital TraumaLimb fracture with vascular compromiseDIPIMCDipIMC

A 19-year-old has a closed mid-shaft fracture of the tibia after a fall. The limb is grossly angulated, and the foot is pale, cool and pulseless.

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Apply gentle longitudinal traction to realign the limb, then reassess distal perfusion.

A deformed limb fracture with distal ischaemia should be realigned with gentle in-line traction, which often restores perfusion, before being splinted. Splinting in a grossly angulated position risks ongoing vascular compromise. Imaging should not delay limb-saving realignment in the pre-hospital setting.

Reference: JRCALC Clinical Guidelines