A pre-hospital team encounters a motorcyclist who has high-sided at speed. His left boot has been wrenched off and his left ankle is grossly deformed ...

Question

A pre-hospital team encounters a motorcyclist who has high-sided at speed. His left boot has been wrenched off and his left ankle is grossly deformed with the foot pointing posterolaterally. Distal pulses are absent and the foot is white and cold. What is the immediate management priority?

Accepted Answer

Attempt gentle realignment (traction and reduction) of the dislocated ankle to restore distal perfusion - a pulse-less, white foot after dislocation is a limb-threatening emergency

Answer

Wait for X-ray confirmation before any manipulation

Answer

No intervention - the foot is non-viable

Answer

Splint the ankle in the deformed position without any attempt at realignment

Answer

Apply a tourniquet above the knee to prevent embolism

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Vascular Compromised Dislocation - Field Reduction

A pre-hospital team encounters a motorcyclist who has high-sided at speed. His left boot has been wrenched off and his left ankle is grossly deformed with the foot pointing posterolaterally. Distal pulses are absent and the foot is white and cold. What is the immediate management priority?