vascular, tendon and nerve injuries

Last reviewed 01/2018

In severe haemorrhage:

  • control with local pressure (not tourniquet)
  • elevate the arm and hand
  • do not use artery forceps blindly (may compromise repair)
  • refer for vascular reconstruction

Suspect nerve injury and refer:

  • if wound overlies a known nerve
  • all cut wrists
  • if sensation is altered distally (some sensation often remains initially
  • if severe pain or an electric sensation at the time
  • if there is arterial bleeding where the artery is known to run with a major nerve eg ulnar nerve at the wrist

Refer tendon injuries to A/E dept (see trauma to ligaments)