Common Fractures

Question 1

If a patient has a fracture, what signs and symptoms might they present with?

Answer 1

Pain, swelling, crepitus, abnormal movement, loss of function, deformity and bony tenderness.

Question 2

What feature of fracture can increase osteoarthritis risk?

Answer 2

If the break occurs across a joint surface.

Question 3

In none repair, the body can correct for straightness in which direction?

Answer 3

In the direction of flexion/extension. Rotation of the bones can not be corrected.

Question 4

What is a pathological fracture?

Answer 4

This is when a fracture occurs under a physiological load.

Question 5

What regional factors can affect bone healing?

Answer 5

Muscle cover and blood supply

Question 6

Name some local factors which affect bone healing.

Answer 6

Infection, treatment, bone type, injury, fracture configuration and soft tissue injury.

Question 7

What systemic factors affect bone healing?

Answer 7

Age, co-morbidity, bone pathology.

Question 8

What unusual injury leads to good bone healing?

Answer 8

Head injury due to the hormones released.

Question 9

What is malunion?

Answer 9

This is where there is deformity and later arthrosis of the bone fragments.

Question 10

What are the two different types of non-Union in bone healing?

Answer 10

Hypertrophic where constant movement of bone fragments prevents healing and atrophic where there is poor bone quality or blood supply.

Question 11

What is myositis ossificans and when does it occur?

Answer 11

This is when calcification occurs in the muscle following haemorrhage.

Question 12

What is compartment syndrome?

Answer 12

This is where there is increased pressure in a facial space causing localised tissue damage.

Question 13

What is the treatment for compartment syndrome?

Answer 13

Surgical decompression.

Question 14

What is a complication associated with open fractures?

Answer 14

Infection.

Question 15

What are possible consequences of growth plate fractures in children?

Answer 15

It can cause growth arrest or can lead to bones growing twisted and not straight.

Question 16

Name two incomplete fractures in children and their causes:

Answer 16

Buckles caused by compression and green stick caused by tension.

Question 17

Where are stress fractures common and what causes them?

Answer 17

These are caused by frequent non-violent stresses, and are common in the legs, spine and feet.

Question 18

What can reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures?

Answer 18

Weight bearing exercise before the age of 35 years, vit D and calcium intake.

Question 19

What is the first fracture specific examination carried out?

Answer 19

Neurovascular to check for any damage to these structures.

Question 20

In what planes do X Ray’s need to be taken?

Answer 20

X-rays need to be taken in two planes, at right angles too each other so that no injuries are missed.

Question 21

Name three methods for joint immobilisation.

Answer 21

Plaster of Paris, external fixators and traction.

Question 22

What are the advantages on operative treatment on fractures?

Answer 22

Protection of soft tissue and avoids infection, implants are biologically inert to avoid complication, and allows timely muscle and joint rehab.

Question 23

Where are clavicle fractures common?

Answer 23

In the middle third of the clavicle.

Question 24

How are proximal humeral fractures treated?

Answer 24

Internal fixation or complete joint replacement. This occurs at the surgical neck of the humerus.

Question 25

What is a collies fracture?

Answer 25

Fracture of radius at the wrist, posterior displacement

Question 26

What is the name of the fracture at the wrist which has anterior displacement of the fragments?

Answer 26

Smiths fracture.

Question 27

What nerve can smiths fracture cause damage to?

Answer 27

Median nerve injury.

Question 28

What clinical sign indicates scaphoid fracture and what is the risk associated with this fracture?

Answer 28

Pain in anatomical snuffbox, and avascular necrosis due to lack of blood supply to the scaphoid bone.

Question 29

What type of hip fracture shows a high avascular necrosis risk?

Answer 29

Intracapsular.

Question 30

What is the common treatment for an extracapsular hip fracture?

Answer 30

Dynamic hip screw

Question 31

When are tibial shaft raptures common?

Answer 31

RTC, sports and falls

Question 32

What is a common presentation of tibial shaft fractures?

Answer 32

Commonly open fracture.

Question 33

What complication is associated with tibial shaft fracture?

Answer 33

Increased risk of compartment syndrome.

Question 34

Name two different types of ankle fracture:

Answer 34

This can be uni or bimalleolar.