1: Orthopaedic trauma Flashcards
What is compartment syndrome
Increase in pressure in a muscle fascial compartment leading to impaired tissue perfusion
What is the main cause of compartment syndrome
Fracture (75%)
What two fractures is compartment syndrome most commonly seen in
- Tibial diaphysis
- Distal radius diaphysis
What else can cause compartment syndrome
- Compression of the limb for several hours
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Burns
- Iatrogenic
What may lead to continuous pressure on a limb
Crush Injury
Lying on limb for several hours (elderly/ drug abuse)
What may iatrogenically cause compartment syndrome
Too tight plaster cast. Hence why circumferential cases are not used in the first 2W
How will compartment syndrome present
- Pain disproportionate to injury (physical symptoms)
- Worse on passive stretching
- Not relieved by analgesia, elevation
- Compartment may feel full/tight
If compartment syndrome is missed how may it present
As an acute ischaemic limb
Explain the pathophysiology of compartment syndrome
- There is a build up of pressure in a muscle compartment (contained by fascia)
- This causes compression of veins, increasing flow of blood into interstitium causing further build-up of pressure
- This pressure then compresses nerves causing symptoms in sensory/motor distribution
- As pressure in the interstitum equals diastolic BP, it stops arterial blood flow into the compartment causing ischaemia
How should the diagnosis of compartment syndrome should be made
Clinically
If clinical uncertainty what may be used to identify compartment syndrome
Intra-compartmental pressure monitor
What should be done in initial management of compartment syndrome
- Keep leg in neutral position
- High-flow oxygen
- IV crystalloid to maintain BP
- Analgesia
- Remove dressings
What should be done to manage compartment syndrome
Urgent fasciotomy
Explain wound care following urgent fasciotomy
Wound is left open for 48-72h. Any devitalised tissue is debrided. Wound is then closed
Why may renal function be monitored in compartment syndrome
Due to risk of renal damage from reperfusion injury or rhabdomyolysis
What are 4 complications of compartment syndrome
- Ischaemia
- Volkmann contracture
- Gangrene
- Rhabdomyolysis and renal failure
What is volkmann contracture
- Permanent shortening of the fore-arm muscles due to ischaemic injury
- Presents with claw-like hand
What fracture are Volkmann contractures most associated with
Supracondylar humeral fractures
What is septic arthritis
Infection of a joint
What is the most common cause of septic arthritis in healthy adults
S. aureus
What is the most common cause of septic arthritis in sickle cell disease
Salmonella
What is the most common cause of septic arthritis in sexually active young adults
N. Gonorrhoea
What are 6 risk factors for septic arthritis
- Cellulitus
- Diabetes
- Immunosupressed
- > 80y
- pre-existing joint disease
- prosthesis
- IVDU
- chronic renal failure
How will septic arthritis appear clinically
- painful, erythematous swollen joint
- unable to weight bare
- pyrexial (60%)
What are two signs of septic arthritis
- swollen, erythematous, warm joint
- painful on active and passive movement
Explain the pathophysiology of septic arthritis
Septic arthritis comes from bacteraemia which may be due to UTI, chest infection, cellulitis. The joint can be infected by direct inoculation or spreading from osteomyelitis
What can septic arthritis lead to
Irreversible cartilage damage causing OA
What investigations should be ordered in septic arthritis
- FBC (WCC)
- CRP + ESR
- Joint aspiration
- Blood cultures on two separate occasions
How should septic arthritis be managed
- If septic initiate sepsis 6 protocol
- Flucloxacillin for 4-6W. First 2W should be IV then switch to PO
- Native joints require irrigation and debridement
- Prosthetic joint = require wash out in theatre and revision of surgery
What are 2 complications of septic arthritis
- OA
- Osteomyelitis
Define an open fracture
communication between fracture site and external environment
When should an open fracture be suspected
any limb where there is a wound in the same region as the fracture
Describe clinical presentation of open fracture
- painful
- fracture with overlying wound punctum
What should be checked for all open fractures
Neurovascular status
What scoring system is used to evaluate open fractures
Gustilo-Anderson
What is Gustilo-Anderson 1 fracture
Laceration <1cm and clean. Low energy trauma,
What is Gustilo-Anderson 2 fracture
Laceration 1-10cm and clean wound. Low energy trauma
What is Gustilo-Anderson 3a fracture
Laceration >10cm
Adequate soft tissue coverage
Any high energy trauma
What is Gustilo-Anderson 3b fracture
Laceration >10cm
Inadequate soft tissue coverage
High energy trauma
What is Gustilo-Anderson 3c fracture
Any neuromuscular compromise
What teams are involved in
a. 3a fractures
b. 3b fractures
c. 3c fractures
a. orthopaedics
b. + plastic surgery
c. + vascular surgery
In 3c fractures what is used to predict the need for primary amputation
Mangled extremity scoring system (MESS)
What are 4 outcomes of open fractures
- Infection
- Soft tissue damage
- Wound (skin) damage
- Neurovascular compromise
What bloods may be performed in open fracture
FBC
Group + Save
Coagulation studies
What imaging may be performed in an open fracture
X-Ray
Explain 6 steps in the management of open fractures
- Stabilise the patient (life > limb)
- Reduce and splint
- IV Antibiotics
- Tetanus prophylaxis
- Wound photography
- Irrigation + debridement
What should be checked and documented before reduction and splinting of the limb
Neurovascular status
If an individual has not recently had their tetanus prophylaxis and has a very contaminated wound, what is given
IVIg
What should be done prior to debridement
Photograph the wound
What is debridement
Removal of devitalised tissue
When should debridement be performed
- If evidence of contamination with sewage, marine or agricultural immediately
- If not evidence of this in <24h
When should soft tissue coverage of the wound be considered
contact plastics within 72h
If there is vascular compromise due to the open fracture what should be done
immediately contact vascular surgeons for surgical exploration
What is caudal equina
compression of the cauda equina
What are the 3 groups of caudal equina
- Cauda equina syndrome with retention (CESR)
- Cauda equina syndrome incomplete (CESI)
- Cauda equina syndrome suspected (CESS)
What is the most severe form of caudal equina
Cauda equina with retention (CESR)
How will caudal equina with retention present
- Back pain
- Bilateral sciatica
- Bilateral Loss of sensation and weakness in legs
- Saddle anaesthesia
- Loss of anal tone
- Urinary retention, or incontinence
How will cauda equina syndrome incomplete present
Same as above, but with altered urinary sensation
What are 4 indicators of altered urinary sensation
- Loss of desire to void
- Poor stream
- Loss of satisfaction
- Need to strain
What is caudal equina suspected
- Severe back pain
- Possible neurological signs
what is peak incidence of caudal equina
40-50y
what can cause caudal equina syndrome
- Disc herniation
- Trauma: fracture, spondylolisthesis
- Neoplasm (1’ or 2’)
- Infection: Pott’s disease, disci tis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Haematoma secondary to spinal anaesthesia
What are 5 cancers than spread to the vertebrae
Breast Lung Thyroid Kidney Prostate
Will cauda equina cause UMN or LMN signs and symptoms and why
LMN. As the cauda equina is made of LMN (which have left the cord)
What are the symptoms of cauda equina
- Bilateral sciatica
- Back pain
- Saddle anaesthesia
- Faecal/Urinary incontinence
- Impotence
what are 5 signs of caudal equina syndrome
- Saddle anasthesia
- Lower limb anaesthesia
- Hyporeflexia
- Loss of anal tone
- Bladder distention
Where does the spinal cord terminate
L1/L2
What level is the caudal equina
L1-S5
What does the cauda equina contain
LMN that control:
- motor + sensory innervation to lower limbs
- parasympathetic supply to the bladder
- motor innervation to anal sphincter
What is gold-standard for cauda equina
MRI
What are 2 other investigations for caudal equina
post-void bladder scan
rectal exam
How is caudal equina syndrome managed
- Urgent neurosurgical review (for surgical decompression)
- High dose corticosteroids
How are fractured neck of femurs classified
Depending on position of the fracture line relative to the joint capsule
What are the two groups of hip fractures
- Intracapsular
- Extracapsular
What are the two types of intra-capsular fractures
- Subcapital
- Basocervical
What is a sub capital fracture
fracture through head and neck
What is a basocervical fracture
fracture below femoral neck
What are the two types of extra-capsular fractures
- inter-trochanteric
2. subtrochanteric
What is a sub-trochanteric fracture
fracture <5cm distal to greater trochanter
What is an inter-trochanteric fracture
fracture between lesser and greater trochanter
What is the classification system used for intracapsular NOF fractures
Garden system
What is garden classification 1
Stable fracture with impaction in valgus
What is garden classification 2
Complete fracture with no displacement
What is garden classification 3
Complete fracture with displacement (angulation/rotation) but still with contact
what is garden classification 4
Complete bony disruption
which population are NOF’s common
Elderly
What is the aetiology of NOFs
- Low energy trauma (elderly)
- High energy trauma
In which population do low energy injuries cause NOFs
Elderly
How will a NOF present
- Severe pain
- Unable to weight bare
- Shortened and externally rotated leg
What blood vessel supplies the neck of femur
Medial femoral circumflex artery
Where does the medial femoral circumflex artery arise from
deep femoral artery
Why is the medial femoral circumflex artery vulnerable in NOF fractures
as it runs over the neck of femur
what is first-line investigation of a NOF fracture
Lateral and AP x-rays of the pelvic
what bloods may be ordered
- FBC
- U+E
- Coagulation screen
- G+S
- CK
why may creatinine kinase be ordered
if the patient has been on the floor for an extended period of time their is risk of rhabdomyolysis
what other investigations are typically ordered in complete pre-operative assessment of an elderly patient
CXR
Urinalysis
ECG
Describe management of hip fracture
- ATLS
- Sufficient analgesia
- Surgical management
Which is more serious an intra capsular or extra capsular fracture and why
Intra-capsular fracture as there is a risk of disruption to the
How is a displaced intra-capsular fracture in someone <70y managed
Internal fixation
How is a displaced intra-capsular fracture in mobile >70y managed
Total hip arthroplasty
How is a displaced intra-capsular fracture managed if someone was immobile prior to or has other severe co-morbidities
Hemiarthroplasty
How is an undisplaced intra-capsular fracture managed in young patients with no-comorbidities
Internal fixation
How is an undisplaced intracapsular fracture managed in someone with co-morbidities including advanced organ specific disease
Hemiarthroplasty
How is an extra capsular fracture managed
Dynamic hip screw
How is a extra-capsular fracture managed if reverse, oblique, transverse or sub-trochanteric
Intramedullary Nail
What is used to manage a subtrochanteric fracture
Intramedullary Nail
What is a intramedullary femoral nail
A metal rod that is inserted in the medullary cavity of the femur
Who manages NOF in elderly patients
Orthogeriatricians
What is % mortality of hip fractures
30%
What is a pubic rams fracture
type A pelvic ring fracture
What can cause pubic rami fractures
- High energy blunt trauma
- Low energy falls from standing
What are investigations of pubic rami fractures
- AP pelvic x-ray
- CT
How are pubic rami fractures managed
ATLS
Surgically
What is a main complication of pubic rami fractures
Intraperitoneal or retroperitoneal blood loss
In which gender are ACL tears more common
Female
When do ACL injuries tend to occur
During landing a jump or direct contact
How will ACL injury present
Rapid swelling and pain
Why do ACL injuries present with rapid swelling
ACL is highly vascularised and therefore results in haemoarthroses
What are two signs of ACL injury
Positive Lachman test
Positive anterior draw test
What is the most sensitive test for ACL injury
Lachman test
What is the role of ACL
It prevents anterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur
What mechanism of injury results in the unhappy triad
Lateral blow to the knee
What injuries occur in the unhappy triad
ACL Tear
MCL Tear
Medial meniscus tear
How are ACL tears initially investigated
AP and lateral x-ray to look for bony injuries as a cause of joint effusion
What is gold-standard imaging for ACL injury
MRI
What is first line management for ACL tears
(POLICE) Protection Optimal Loading Ice Compression Elevation
What are the two ways to manage ACL tears
- Conservative - involves rehabilitation to strengthen the quadriceps and canvas knee splint
- Surgical = arthroscopic surgery that reconstructs the ACL from tendon or artificial graft
What is a complication of ACL tear
secondary OA
In which gender are patella fractures more common
Male
What is the peak incidence of patella fractures
20-50y
What causes patella fractures
Direct trauma to the patella (eg. RTA)
How do patella fractures present
- Palpable defect
- Unable to perform straight leg raises
Why may an individual with patella fractures not be able to perform straight leg raises
Due to weakness in knee extensors
What is first-line investigation for patella fractures
AP and Lateral view X-ray
What are the two management strategies for a patella fracture
- Conservative
2. Surgical
What are the indications for conservative management of patella fractures
- Individual can perform straight leg raises
- Articular step is <2mm
What is conservative management of patella fractures
Brace for 4-6W
What are the indications for surgical management of patella fractures
K-wires for cerclage
What is surgical management for patella fractures
Unable to perform straight leg raises. Or, articular step >2mm
How can ankle fractures be classified anatomically
- isolated medial malleolus
- isolated lateral malleolus
- bimalleolar
- trimalleolar
What classification system is used for lateral malleolus fractures
Weber’s
What is weber’s classification used for
Fractures of the lateral malleolus
What is a weber’s A fracture
Below syndesmosis
What is a weber’s B fracture
Level of syndesmosis
What is a weber’s C fracture
Above syndesmosis
Dave presents with a fracture at the level of the syndesmosis, what Weber grade are they
Weber B
Tim presents with a fracture above the syndesmosis, what Weber grade are they
Weber C
Mike presents with a fracture below the syndesmosis, what Weber grade are they
Weber A
What is a maisonneurve fracture
Spiral fracture of the fibula that extends to the syndesmosis widening the ankle joint
in which gender do ankle fractures occur more
Young males or Overweight middle-aged females
how will ankle fractures present
Diffuse ankle pain
Unable to weight bare
Tenderness @ site of injury
what is a syndesmosis
fibrous joint between bones held together by ligaments
what is the main differential for an ankle fracture
ankle sprain
where is the syndesmosis between in the ankle
between tibia and fibula
what rules are used to determine if someone should receive an x-ray following ankle trauma
Ottawa Ankle Rules
why were the ottawa rules developed
To reduce unnecessary imaging
what do the ottawa rules state
That if an individual has pain over the malleolar region and one of the following they should receive an x-ray:
- Unable to walk 4-steps
- Pain on palpation of posterior edge or tip of medial malleolus
- Pain on palpation of posterior edge or tip of lateral malleolus
what investigation is performed if ankle fracture is suspected
AP and Lateral X-Ray
what is first line management of suspected ankle fracture
Reduce the fracture under analgesia
why are ankle fractures promptly reduced
To prevent overlying skin necrosis
what is then put on following reduction of the ankle fracture
Below-knee back slab cast
what should be done prior to putting on a below the knee back-slab cast
- Check Neurovascular status
2. X-ray post reduction
what are the two management strategies for ankle fracture
Conservative
Surgical
when is conservative management for ankle fracture indicated
- Elderly patients
- Weber A or B fractures with no talar displacement
why do elderly patients undergo conservative management of ankle fractures
As their bones are weaker and do not hold compression plates well
when is surgical management for ankle fractures indicated
- Young patients
- Webers B or C
- Open fracture
what is surgical management of ankle fracture
Compression plate
what is a long-term complication of ankle OA
Secondary OA
what is a stress fracture
cracks in the bone caused by repetitive use that are insufficient to cause a fracture themselves
what is a stress fracture also referred to as
hairline fractures
what causes metatarsal stress fractures commonly
sudden increase in marching or running
explain how metatarsal stress fractures will present clinically
- gradual onset of dull foot pain which worsens on weight-bearing/use
- tender to palpation
how are stress fractures diagnosed
clinically
why is an x-ray not used to diagnose stress fractures immediately
as stress fractures do not immediately show on x-ray. They only tend to show once they start to heal
What is management of stress fractures
Conservative:
- Rest
- Orthoses
What is the lisfranc joint
Second metatarsal
What is a lisfranc fracture
Fracture/dislocaiton between second metatarsal and medial cuneiform
What can cause Lisfranc injuries
- RTA
- Fall from height
- Fall off the kerb
How will a lisfranc fracture present clinically
- Severe pain
- Inability to weight bear
- Bruising over medial bottom of the foot
- Collapsed foot arches
What is characteristic of lisfranc injury
bruising over medial plantar aspect
Where is the lisfranc ligament and what is its function
ligament that connects the second metatarsal and medial cuneiform. It maintains integrity of midfoot arch
How will a Lisfranc fracture present on x-ray
Widening between second meta-tarsal and medial cuneiform
What are the two management strategies for lisfranc injury
- Conservative
2. Surgical
How are lisfranc fractures managed conservatively
Cast for 8W
How are lisfranc fractures managed surgically
ORIF
What is a complication of lisfranc fractures
Compartment syndrome of the medial foot
In which gender are achilles tendon ruptures more common
male
What is the peak incidence of achilles tendon ruptures
30-50y
What can cause Achille’s tendon rupture
- Trauma during athletic sports
- Achilles tendonitis
what are two risk factors for achilles tendon rupture
Fluroquinolones
Glucocorticoids
how will achilles tendon rupture present
- Sudden ‘snap/pop’ at the time of injury
- Sudden-onset severe pain at the achilles
what test will be negative in achilles tendon rupture
Simmond’s test
what is the achilles tendon
It is a tendon formed from the convergence of the gastrocnemius and soleus