Fracture Complications Flashcards
what is compartment syndrome
increased pressure in the enclosed space of the compartments of the limbs
name some risk factors for compartment syndrome
tibial, forearm fractures
open fractures
IVDAs
anticoagulation and trivial trauma
clinical presentation of compartment syndrome
4p’s
disproportionate pain, paraesthesia, pallor, pulselessness
tensely swollen limb
management of compartment syndrome
release all dressings/casts
emergency fasciotomy
what is neuropraxia
the nerve has a temporary conduction defect from compression or stretch
management of neuropraxia
resolve in up to 28 days
what is axonotmesis
occurs from either a sustained compression or stretch or from a higher degree of force
what is neurotmesis
complete transection of a nerve
what is a de-gloving injury
avulsion of the skin from its underlying blood supply as a result of a shearing force on the skin
2 complications of a de-gloving injury
skin ischaemia and necrosis
name 2 late systemic complications of fractures
DVT and PE
name 2 early systemic complications of fractures
hypovolaemia
fat embolism
name some signs of non-union
ongoing pain and oedema
movement at the fracture site
sign of non-union on x-ray
bridging callus
what is malunion of a fracture
healed in a non-anatomic position
