As orthopaedic specialty units are being combined with other nursing units or integrated into medical-surgical units, more nurses are frequently unprepared to care for these patients with orthopaedic problems. To help them keep pace with the changing demands of this specialty, this book's straightforward approach and wealth of illustrations address the nursing care of patients with common orthopaedic conditions. Step-by-step coverage shows preoperative, postoperative, home, and rehabilitative care. Where appropriate, discussions also include the care of outpatients receiving follow-up or rehabilitative care. Special attention is given to the care of patients in traction or casts.