What are the key assessment steps for a patient presenting with a suspected fracture in primary care?

The provided guidelines primarily focus on the management, information provision, and documentation aspects of fractures, rather than detailing initial assessment steps specifically for primary care ¹,². However, a key assessment step highlighted for limb injuries is the documentation of neurovascular status ².

• When assessing neurovascular status, it is crucial to document for both limbs: which nerves and nerve function have been assessed and when, the findings (including sensibility and motor function using the Medical Research Council (MRC) grading system), which pulses have been assessed and when, and how circulation has been assessed if pulses are not accessible ².
• Each repeated neurovascular assessment must be documented and timed ².

While not an initial assessment step, the guidelines also strongly emphasise the importance of documenting all key communications with patients, family members, and carers regarding the management plan ¹,². A written summary, including diagnosis, management plan, and expected outcome, should be sent to the patient's GP within 24 hours of admission, with a plain English summary for patients ¹.