Fracture Healing & Response Flashcards
What phase of fracture healing involves resorption along the fracture line?
inflammatory/circulatory
What phase of fracture healing involves formation of an immature hazy callus of woven bone?
reparative/metabolic
What phase of fracture healing involves replacement of the hazy callus with mature bone?
remodeling/mechanical
When does the inflammation phase of fracture healing begin?
immediately when fractured
What are examples of immediate fracture complications?
- arterial inj
- compartment syndromes (rhabdomyolysis)
- gas gangrene
- fat embolism
- thromboembolism
When can immediate fracture complications occur?
up to 1 week
What are examples of intermediate fracture complications?
- osteomyelitis
- hardware failure post-surgery
- complex regional pain syndrome
- post-traumatic osteolysis
- re-fracture
- myositis ossificans
- synostosis
- delayed union
When can intermediate fracture complications occur?
1-4 weeks
What are examples of delayed fracture complications?
- osteonecrosis
- DJD
- osteoporosis
- aneurysmal bone cyst
- non-union
- malunion
- growth deformities (pediatric)
What delayed complication will occur in 100% of cases where there is a fracture through a joint surface?
DJD
At what point in fracture healing is considered non-union?
after 6 months
When can delayed fracture complications occur?
4+ weeks
What is the next step for acute unstable injuries?
send to ER
What is the next step for stable injuries?
orthopedist
Who should you refer to for neurological conditions that are not surgical?
neurologist
