Ch 31 Orthopaedic Injuries Flashcards
Acromioclavicular (AC) joint
A simple joint where the bony projections of the scapula and the clavicles meet at the top of the shoulder
Amputation
Injury in which part of the body is completely severed
Articular cartilage
A pearly white layer of specialized cartilage covering the articular surfaces (contact surfaces on the ends) of bone in synovial joints
Calcaneus
The heel bone
Closed fracture
Any break in a bone in which the overlying skin is not broken
Compartment syndrome
An elevation of pressure within a closed fascial compartment, characterized by extreme pain, pain on stretching the affected muscles, and decreased power’ frequently seen in fractures below the elbow or knee in children
Crepitus
Grating or grinding sensation or sound caused by fractured bone ends or joints rubbing together
Dislocation
Disruption of a joint in which ligaments are damaged and the bone ends are no longer in contact
Displaced fracture
A fracture in which bone fragments are separated from one another producing deformity in the limb
Ecchymosis
Bruising or discoloration associated with bleeding under the skin
False motion
Movement that occurs in a bone at a point where there is no joint, indicating a fracture; also called free movement
Fascia
The fiber-like connective tissue that covers arteries, veins, tendons and ligaments
Fibula
The outer, smaller bone in the lower leg
Fracture
A break in the continuity of the bone
Glenoid fossa
The part of the scapula that joins with the humeral head fo form the glenohumeral joint
Joint
The place where two bones come together
Ligament
A band of fiberous tissue that connects bones to bones; supports and strengthens a joint
Nondisplaced fracture
A simple crack in the bone that has not caused the bone to move from its normal position; also called a hairline fracture
Open fracture
Any break in a bone where the overlying skin has been broken
Pelvic binder
A device to splint the bony pelvis to reduce hemorrhage from bone ends, venous distention and pain
Point of tenderness
Tenderness that is sharply localized at the site of the injury, found by gently palpating along the bone with the tip of one finger
Position of function
A hand position in which the wrist is slightly dorsiflexed and all finder joints are moderately flexed
Reduce
To return a dislocated joint or fractured bone to its normal position; to set
Retroperitoneal space
The space between the abdominal cavity and the posterior abdominal wall; containing the kidneys, certain large vessels, and parts of the gastrointestinal tract
Sciatic nerve
The major nerve to the lower extremities; controls much of muscle function in the leg and sensation in most of he leg and foot
Splint
A flexible or rigid device used to protect and maintain position of an injured extremity
Sling
A bandage or material that helps to support the weight of an injured extremity
Sprain
A joint injury involving damage to the supporting ligaments and sometimes partial or temporary dislocation of bone ends
Strain
Stretching or tearing of muscle; also called a muscle pull
Swathe
A bandage that passes around the chest to secure an injured arm to the chest
Tibia
The larger, weight-bearing lower leg bone
Tourniquet
Bleeding control method used to control life-threatening bleeding after direct pressure fails
Traction
Longitudinal force applied to a structure
Traction splinting requires at minimum 2 EMTs
Zone of injury
The area of potentially damaged soft tissue, adjacent to nerves, and blood vessels surrounding an injury to a bone or joint
Direct blow
Fractures the bone at the point of impact
Indirect force
May cause a fracture or dislocation at a distant point
Example: when a person falls and lands on their hand, the indirect force may dislocate the elbow or fracture the forearm
Twisting forces
A common cause of musculoskeletal injury, especially in the ACL or MCL
High energy injuries
Such as a MVA, falls from heights, GSW, etc… produce severe damage to the skeleton, soft tissue and vital organs.
Commintuted fracture
A fracture in which the bone is broken into more than two fragments
Epiphyseal fracture
A fracture that occurs in a growth section of a child’s bone and may lead to growth abnormalities
Greenstick fracture
An incomplete fracture that passes only partway through the shaft of the bone that may still cause substantial angulation; occurs in childre
Incomplete fracture
A fracture that does not run completely through the bone; a nondisplaced partial crack
Oblique fracture
A fracture in which the bone is broken at an angle across the bone; usually the result of a sharp, angled blow
Pathologic fracture
A fracture of weakened or diseased bone, seen in patients with osteoporosis, infection or cancer; often produced with minimal force
Spiral fracture
A fracture caused by a twisting or spinning force, causing a long, spiral-shaped break in the bone; sometimes the result of abuse of young children
Transverse fracture
A fracture that occurs straight across the bone; usually the result of a direct blow
When checking for deformity
Always compare the injured limb with the non-injured limb
Shortening, rotation or angulation should increase index of suspicion
Swelling
Rapid swelling may mask deformity
Locked joint
A joint locked into position that is difficult and painful to move; presence should alert you to the possibility of an underlying fracture
S/S of dislocated joint
Marked deformity
Swelling
Pain that is aggravated by any attempt at movement
Tenderness on palpation
Locked joint
Nimbness or impaired circulation to limb or digit
S/S of a sprain
Unwillingness to use the limb
Swelling and ecchymosis
Pain prevents movement or normal use of limb
Instability of joints (indicated by increased motion, especially at the knee)
Pregnant women with a pelvic fracture
Tend to have a higher mortality rate
Long term disability
One of the most devastating consequences of orthopaedic injuries
Minor injuies
Minor sprains
Fractures or dislocated digits
Moderate injuries
Open fractures of digits
Nondisplaced long bone fractures
Nondisplaced pelvic fractures
Major sprains or a major joint
Serious injuries
Displaced long bone fractures Multiple hand and foot fractures Open long bone fractures Displaced pelvic fractures Dislocations of major joints Multiple digit amputations Lacerations of major nerves or blood vessels
Severe, Life-threatening injuries
Multiple closed fractures
Limb amputations
Fractures of both long bones of the legs
Critical injuries
Multiple open fractures of the limbs
Suspected pelvic fractures with hemodynamic instability
If the patient has two or more injured extremities
Treat the patient as a significant trauma patient and provide rapid transport
Medical emergencies
Can result in falls and fractures, maintain a high index of suspicion
Injury or deformity of bones, especially around major joints
May be associated with vessel or nerve injury; assess neurovascular function every 5-10 minutes and before/after splinting
Extremity injuries that impair circulation or nerve function
Are urgent conditions and need careful assessment, prompt transport and frequent reassessment
It is critical to report this information in initial radio contact with with hospital
Hazards of improper splinting
Compression of the nerves, tissue and vessels
Delay in transport
Reduction of distal circulation
Aggravation of injury
Injury to tissue, nerves, vessels or muscles as a result of excessive movement of the bone or joint
Pelvic binders
Are meant to provide temporary stabilization until definitive immobilization can be achieved
Fractures of the scapula
Are almost always a result of a forceful, direct blow to the back, which may also injure the thoracic cage, lungs or heart
