Patient guide
Injuries, sprains and fractures
Which injuries need urgent emergency care and when an orthopaedic consultation within a few days is enough.
Musculoskeletal injuries happen during sport, at work and in everyday activities. Some require urgent help at a hospital emergency department (SOR), others an orthopaedic consultation within a few days and follow-up during treatment.
Most common injuries
- joint sprains, especially of the ankle and knee
- joint dislocations
- limb fractures
- bruises and muscle strains
- tendon and ligament injuries
When an orthopaedic consultation is enough
- pain and swelling persist a few days after the injury
- the joint is unstable or “gives way”
- the range of movement has decreased after the injury
- a follow-up is needed after fracture treatment or removal of a cast or brace
- symptoms remain after an old injury
When to seek urgent help
Visible limb deformity, a wound with exposed bone, severe pain preventing movement or weight-bearing, as well as numbness, bluish discolouration or cold skin below the injury are reasons to go to a hospital emergency department (SOR) urgently or call 112.
The information on this page is general and does not replace a medical consultation.