Emergency Department Clinical Pathway for the Evaluation/Treatment
of Children with Suspected Open Long Bone Fracture

Transfer from Outside Hospital
Recommend IV antibiotics and tetanus prophylaxis prior to transfer
ED Team Assessment
Open Fracture Classification Typing
Ortho to determine Fracture Type
  • ED Care
    • Sedation
    • Neurovascular assessment
    • Irrigation
    • Reduction (if needed)
    • Splint application
  • Ortho consults with Plastic Surgery
  • Ortho or Trauma to Consult:
    • Lower Extremity — Vascular Surgery
    • Upper Extremity — Ortho Hand
To OR with Ortho
Admit to Ortho Service
Consider Admission to Trauma Service if other injuries present
Schedule OR