Fracture Reduction Flashcards
Define fracture reduction
The process of replacing the fracture segments in their original anatomical position
After classifying a fracture and reviewing the diagnostic images, one critical question must be answered, as the answer will significantly affect further treatment planning..?
Can this fracture be reconstructed or not?
If anatomic reconstruction is required or elected, what principles of fracture fixation to achieve primary bone healing?
AO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen)
The reduction of fractures can be challenging, especially in bigger patients due to (2)
- Tension
- Contraction of soft tissue structures
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is suitable for the what fractures? (3)
- Simple fractures (e.g. transverse and oblique fractures);
- Fractures that can be reconstructed (e.g. segmental fractures, fractures with one large butterfly fragment;
- Articular fractures (require accurate anatomical reconstruction to minimise the progression of degenerative changes)
What cases are ORIF mandatory?
Articular fracture
When reducing fractures, what needs to be preserved? (2)
- Neurovascular structures
- Soft tissue envelope
Advantages of anatomical reconstruction (2)
Promoting of primary bone healing.
Bone column can participate in the load sharing straight after fixation.
Disadvantages of anatomical reconstruction (2)
Inevitably iatrogenic damage to the soft tissue envelope, periosteum and fracture haematoma – this can be minimised by careful tissue handling!
Could delay healing.
What are used occasionally during reduction to reduce muscle contraction?
Muscle relaxants
Reduction techniques (7)
- Elevation
- Levering
- Toggling
- Using bone plate to aid reduction
- Countertraction
- Pusher pin
- Distraction with devices
What type of # is elevation used for?
Transverse
How is elevation reduction performed?
By elevating the fractured bone ends out of the incision and bringing them into contact with each other. Pressure is slowly applied to replace the bones in a normal position.
What is required for “levering”? (2)
Either Hohmann retractor or periosteal elevator
How is levering reduction performed?
Levering involves using an instrument such as a Hohmann retractor or periosteal elevator to lever the bone fragments apart.
How is toggling performed?
Toggling involves traction to allow one side of the fracture fragments to be brought into contact. A ‘V’ shape is formed and the fracture is forcefully reduced as the fragment ends are kept in contact.
When “toggling” care must be taken not to..
Propagate any fissures present
What # type may be better reduced and maintained in reduction by securing a contoured plate to the short distal segment and reducing the proximal segment to the plate?
Eccentrically placed fractures such as transverse distal radial fractures
Describe technique of using a plate to aid reduction.
Securing a contoured plate to the short distal segment and reducing the proximal segment to the plate.
The reduction is maintained by securing the plate to the proximal segment with plate holding forceps.