Journal of Urgent Care Medicine

Urgent Care Considerations for the Patient with Suspected Rib Fracture

Urgent Message: Rib fractures most commonly occur after blunt chest injury. Consider serious associated injuries such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, and pulmonary contusion when assessing patients with suspected rib fractures. Ensuring appropriate analgesia is critical for reducing the risk of complications. Dustin M. Nelson, BS; Shering Torres, MAS, MD; Michael Weinstock, MD Citation: Nelson DM, Torres S, Weinstock M. Urgent Care Considerations for the Patient with Suspected Rib Fracture. J Urgent Care Med. 2025; 19(4): 13-21 …

Urgent Care Diagnosis and Management of Midshaft Ulnar (Nightstick) Fractures

Urgent Message: Fractures of the midshaft ulna, commonly referred to as “nightstick fractures,” typically occur after direct injury to a forearm outstretched above the head as a protective mechanism. Evaluation includes inquiry into the circumstances of the assault, assessment for any other areas of trauma, examination of the skin, wrist and elbow joints, and radiography of the forearm. Management of closed, nondisplaced midshaft ulnar fractures centers around splint immobilization and arrangement of appropriate follow-up. Chandrika …

Urgent Care Recognition and Management of Proximal Humerus Fractures

Urgent Message: Proximal humerus fractures most commonly occur in older patients after a fall and can be sentinel events that offer an opportunity to identify undiagnosed medical conditions or unsafe home environments. Lauren Schuermann, MS4; Shivani Kothari, MS4; W. Bradley Strauch, MD Citation: Schuermann L, Kothari S, Strauch B. Urgent Care Recognition and Management of Proximal Humerus Fractures. J Urgent Care Med. 2024; 19(2): 13-19 Questions for the Clinician at the Bedside Clinical Scenario A …