External coaptation Flashcards
What does external coaptation control?
- bending force
some torsion
What does external coaptation NOT control?
- compression
2. tension
What is required for external coaptation to be effective?
the joint above AND below must be immobilized
What areas is external coapatation ineffective for?
- femoral
- humeral
- pelvic fractures
What is external coaptation?
the immobilization of a body part using externally applied support. NOT external fixation!!
What is the difference between external coaptation and external fixation?
external fixation is direct immobilization of a bone, external coaptation is fixation of a body part (cast, splint, brace, bandage)
What are the advantages of external coaptation?
- minimal blood supply disruption
- minimal effect on physeal growth
- sometimes cheaper than surgical repair–BUT requires rechecks!
What are the disadvantages of external coaptation/
- poor control over compressive and tensile forces
- less rigid stabilization
- alignment and reduction may be difficult
- joints above and below fracture must be immobilized–joint issues adult vs young
- inappropriate for humerus, femur, pelvis
- rub sores
What are indications for use of external coaptation
- transverse fractures
- fractures stabilized by ANOTHER BONE
- immobilizing joints
- augmented support of broken bones following surgical repair
What happens if you don’t have external coaptation high enough
the EC serves as a fulcrum to concentrate bending forces at the fracture site
why include the toes?
to prevent venous congestion (leave out 3 and 4)
why leave out toes 3 and 4?
to look for warmth and evidence of swelling–if not touching
why leave out toes 3 and 4?
to look for warmth and evidence of swelling–if not touching
what happens if EC doesn’t fit right?
rub sores
What happens if EC too loose?
limb comes off with badage