Fracture management by family physicians and guidelines for referral.

Family physicians are now receiving more formal training in orthopedics, preparing them to deal with common orthopedic problems. Core curriculum objectives for orthopedics are being developed in family practice programs. Family physicians should have guidelines as to which fractures and dislocations they themselves can manage and which fractures should be managed by orthopedists. General guidelines for consultation and referral are presented, and the management of specific common fractures in adults and children is outlined. Many fractures can be cared for by the family physician with appropriate consultation and advice from the orthopedist.