Immediate phase - wound evaluation

• OBJECTIVES

• IMMEDIATE PHASE

• circulation evaluation
• wound evaluation
• neurological evaluation
• PRICE/RICE regime
• managing pain
• managing circulation
• maintaining quads tone
• EARLY PHASE - IN BED
• EARLY PHASE - MOBILE
• INTERMEDIATE PHASE
• LATE PHASE
• GLOSSARY OF EXERCISES

Most people have a reasonable idea of assessing a wound, so I will just make a few points here.

• The knee can suffer serious internal damage without there needing to be an obvious wound.
• High-speed gravel wounds (motorcycling) need particular attention, and if there is a deep gash be mindful that gravel can penetrate into the joint cavity.
• Occasionally someone kneels on the carpet and has the impression of having knelt upon a sewing needle. A needle can penetrate a knee and apparently 'disappear'  - do not be fooled and get an X-ray as soon as possible.