ABSTRACT
Introduction • E valuation o f h a n d trau m a requires a system atic app roach . A dherence to
p rincip les an d guidelines allows for op tim al trea tm en t.
History • A detailed h isto ry m u st be o b ta in ed an d include:
• T h e im p o r ta n c e o f th o ro u g h h is to ry ta k in g c a n n o t be o v e rem p h asized . D e c is io n -m a k in g in h a n d surgery is pe rfo rm ed on ly after evaluating the entire pa tien t situation. T reatm ent plans for sim ilar injuries will vary depending on factors such as age an d occupation .
