Fracture Management Flashcards
What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic fracture complications?
Intrinsic complications are directly related to the fracture itself, such as problems with healing or infection. Extrinsic complications are a result of associated injuries, like blood vessel or nerve damage.
What is osteomyelitis and why is it a serious complication?
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection, often arising from open fractures or surgical intervention. It’s serious because the infection can lead to bone death (necrosis) and may necessitate amputation.
Describe the pathology of osteomyelitis.
Osteomyelitis typically involves bacteria or fungi reaching the bone, causing marrow swelling. This pressure can compress blood vessels, leading to reduced blood supply and bone necrosis. The infection can also spread to surrounding soft tissues, forming abscesses.
What is the difference between delayed union and non-union in fracture healing?
Delayed union refers to a fracture taking longer than expected to heal, but with the fragments still potentially uniting. Non-union is the failure of a fracture to heal at all without further intervention.
What are the potential causes of delayed union in a fracture?
Delayed union can be caused by factors like inadequate blood supply, infection, poor immobilisation, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, smoking, and certain medications.
List five risk factors for non-union in a fracture.
Risk factors for non-union include tobacco use, older age, severe anaemia, diabetes, low vitamin D, hypothyroidism, poor nutrition, certain medications (like NSAIDs and corticosteroids), infection, and open fractures.
How can leg length discrepancy (LLD) occur as a complication of a fracture?
LLD can occur if a fracture involves a child’s growth plate, potentially disrupting normal leg growth. In adults, it can be a consequence of surgical repair, particularly in femur fractures.
Define osteonecrosis and explain its relation to fracture.
Osteonecrosis is bone death due to impaired blood supply. Fractures, particularly displaced ones in locations like the scaphoid or hip, can disrupt blood flow and lead to osteonecrosis.
Describe the mechanism and potential consequences of compartment syndrome.
Compartment syndrome involves increased pressure within a muscle compartment, often due to swelling from injury. This pressure restricts blood flow, potentially causing tissue damage or even limb amputation if untreated.
What is a pulmonary embolism and why are hip fractures a significant risk factor?
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage in a lung artery, usually by a blood clot. Hip fractures are a major risk factor because they often involve leg injury, immobility, and swelling, all of which increase the risk of clot formation that can travel to the lungs.
