Diagnosing and managing hand and wrist injuries in the emergency department.

Injuries of the hand and wrist are commonly encountered in the emergency department. Though they are rarely life-threatening, there is potential for significant patient pain, morbidity, and long-term functional loss if they are not treated appropriately. A thorough and focused examination and plain radiographs are sufficient to diagnose most hand injuries, with outpatient referral to a hand specialist when indicated. Clinicians must be able to identify the life- or limb-threatening hand injuries that can present, both in treating and facilitating urgent hand consultation. This review provides a best-practice update on the evaluation and treatment of common hand and wrist emergencies.