5. Clinical symptoms of fractures, diagnosis

Question 1

How are fractures diagnosed?

Answer 1

• X-ray
• CT/MRI (when clinical finding suggest fracture but xray unrevealing)

i wrote
* can also be diagnosed clinically based on history and physical examination (swelling, bruising, tenderness) , ROM
* history: mechanism of injury, direction of force, time from injury, relevant surgical history, neurologic symptoms (numbness, dysesthesia)
ask about last meal incase urgent surgery required

Question 2

What are the symptoms of a fracture

Answer 2

• Calor → warm
• Tumor → Swollen
• Rubor → red
• Dolor → pain
• Functio laesa → loss of function
  Sometimes:
• Loss of bone continuity
• movement where there is supposed to be none (IE in the middle of the humerus)

Question 3

What are the principles of taking an X-ray of a fractured bone?

Answer 3

• At least 2 views
• Joints proximal and distal to interested area must be in the image

Question 4

When is a CT indicated in a suspected bone fracture?

Answer 4

• Inconclusive X-ray
• Pre-Op planning for complex fracture

Question 5

When is an MRI indicated in a suspected bone fracture?

Answer 5

After initial treatment looking for associated tendon and ligament injury