Children's Fractures Flashcards
what are the fractures that only children get
greenstick, torus, pastic deformation
what is a greenstick fracture
where one side of the bone is broken and the other side is bent
what is a torus fracture
aka buckle fractures
incomplete fractures of the shaft of a long bone that is characterised by bulging of the cortex
what is plastic deformation
what happens in a bowing fracture (incomplete fractures of tubular long bones) causing bone to remain in bowed position after initial force is removed
what is the epiphysis
end part of bone after physis (growth plate)
what is the diaphysis
the shaft of a long bone
what are the signs that would make you suspicious of NAI
history doesnt match nature/ severity of the injury
vague parental accounts/ inconsistency
accusations that the child injured themselves intentionally
delay in seeking help
child dressed inappropriately for the situation
what are the physical signs of NAI
any obvious or unsuspected fractures under 2 years, particularly prewalking
injuries in various stages on healing- especially bruises and burns
more injuries than usually seen for that age
injuries scattered on many areas of the body
increased intracranial pressure in an infant- head injury
suspected intra-abdominal trauma in a young child
any injury that does not fit the description of the cause given
how do different forces affect growth
compression forces inhibit growth
tensile forces stimulate growth
what is at risk in a supracondylar fracture
brachial artery and medial nerve
what should be inculded in a neurovascular exam of a child fracture
colour (pallor) capillary refill skin temp O2 sats pulse sensation sweating skin wrinkling on immersion in water
distal neurovascular assessment:
- ok sign (medial)
- star fish (ulnar)
- thumbs up (radial)
what nerve deficiency causes a wrist drop
radial
why do childrens bone have reduced need for accurate reduction
as have greater remodelling potential
why do you apply traction to a fracture
combat muscle forces, improve healing
what can displaced intraarticular fracture cause
early onset OA
