Emergency Medicine Practice: An Evidence-Based Approach To Traumatic Pain Management In The Emergency Department

Painful traumatic injuries account for a large portion of emergency
department visits. Injuries may occur through various mechanisms,
and many patient and provider factors affect the success
of treatment. Not all injuries or patients should be treated in
exactly the same fashion, and an understanding of these factors is
important to providing optimal care. Medications, management
strategies, and methods of evaluation have been studied with
varying depth and success. Regional anesthetic techniques and
nonpharmacologic means can help minimize the use of systemic
agents that may have unwanted side effects. Diagnostic evaluation
should not detract from symptomatic treatment. This evidencebased
review summarizes the pathophysiology, historical factors,
diagnostic strategies, and demographics that influence the experience
of pain and provides recommendations for a variety of treatment
options.