Fracture

A fracture is a break in the continuity of bone, ranging from a hairline crack to a displaced or open break. Perform neurovascular checks distal to the injury using the 5 P’s — pain, pallor, pulse, paresthesia, paralysis — and always compare to the opposite limb. Watch for compartment syndrome, where increasing pain unrelieved by analgesics is a red-flag emergency requiring immediate provider notification.