Fracture Management

Question 1

Inspection of a fracture

Answer 1

1. Open/closed
2. Swelling- over bone/lig
3. Fx blisters
4. Ecchymosis

Question 2

Palpation of fx

Answer 2

1. Tenderness
2. Crepitation
3. Tense compartments
4. Marked pain w/ PROM - compartment syndrome

Question 3

Neurovascular exam for fx

Answer 3

1. Motor
2. Sensory
3. Pulses
4. Cap refill

Question 4

X-rays: rule of twos

Answer 4

1. Two views: at least AP and lateral
2. Two limbs: kids- X-ray contralateral bone for comparison
3. Two joints: joint above and below fx
4. Two injuries: severe trauma look for more than one
5. Two occasions: some require follow-up X-ray

Question 5

Transverse fx

Answer 5

Fragments remain in place after reduction

Question 6

Oblique or spiral fx

Answer 6

Tend to shorten and re-displace even if bone is splinted