Fractures

Question 1

Fractures

Answer 1

Occurs when a bone breaks by force

Question 2

Break

Answer 2

Crack in a bone

Question 3

Full Break

Answer 3

• The bone is in teo seperate pieces

- The force can be so great that the bone can shatter

Question 4

Each type of fracture and the location of the fracture impact the client’s…

Answer 4

Occupational engagement and the need for OT services

Question 5

The severity of a fracture is determined by two factors:

Answer 5

• The amount of force applied to the bone

- The strength of the bone

Question 6

The amount of force applied to the bone (severity of a fracture)

Answer 6

Force can be high energy (like a motor vehicle accident) or low energy (like a fall or long-distance running).

Question 7

The Strength of the Bone (severity of a fracture)

Answer 7

Bone strength can be weakened due to pathological conditions such as tumors or osteoarthritis.

Question 8

The most common causes of fractures are:

Answer 8

• Trauma
• Osteoporosis
• Overuse

Question 9

Pathological Fracture

Answer 9

• Weakening of the bone from another disease

- Ex. Osteoporosis or Cancer

Question 10

Fracture Diagnosis

Answer 10

• Fractures are commonly diagnosed with a physical exam and/or an X-Ray.
• CT scans and MRI can also be used for diagnostic purposes.

Question 11

Prognosis of Fractures are dependent upon several factors (Healing & Recovery)

Answer 11

• Age
• Type of fracture & fracture location
• Severity of the fracture
• Patient factors including intrinsic motivation and premorbid health status

Question 12

Estimated healing time for uncomplicated fractures in adults (Healing & Recovery)

Answer 12

• 6-8 weeks for upper limb

- 12-16 weeks for lower limb

Question 13

Conservative Management

Answer 13

Immobilization, over the counter medications, splinting, home exercise programs.

Question 14

Common Surgical Intervention

Answer 14

• Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF)
• External Fixation
• Percutaneous pinning
• Hemiarthroplasty

Question 15

Hemiarthroplasty (Common Surgical Intervention)

Answer 15

Partial joint replacement in which the femoral or humeral head and neck are replaced by a metal prothesis

Question 16

Non-Weight Bearing

Answer 16

% of Weight: 0%

-No WB on the operated leg, it should not touch the floor.

Question 17

Touchdown or Toe-Touch Weight Bearing

Answer 17

% of Weight: 10%-15%

-Foot of operated leg may rest on floor

Question 18

Partial Weight Bearing

Answer 18

% of Weight: 30%-50%

-May put 30%-50% of weight through the operated leg.

Question 19

Weight-Bearing as Tolerated

Answer 19

% of Weight: As tolerated

-Patient may put as much weight through operated leg as tolerated without unnecessary pain or discomfort.

Question 20

Full Weight Bearing

Answer 20

% of Weight: 75-100%

-Oarient bears full weight on the operated leg

Question 21

Common Diagnosis

Answer 21

• Distal Radius Fracture
• Scaphoid Fracture
• Humeral Fracture
• Hip Fracture

Question 22

Distal Radius Fracture

Answer 22

-One of the most common upper extremity fractures.
-Most commonly occurs due to a fall onto an outstretched hand.
-Can be managed with immobilization or surgical fixation.
(Colles Fracture)

Question 23

Colles Fracture

Answer 23

Type of Distal Radius Fracture in which the broken piece of bone points upwards.

Question 24

Scaphoid Fracture

Answer 24

-Most commonly fractured carpal bone.
~60% of carpal fractures affect the scaphoid.
-Most commonly occurs due to a fall onto an outstretched hand with wrist radial deviation.
-Typically managed with immobilization via thumb spica cast for approximately 8-10 weeks.

Question 25

Humeral Fracture

Answer 25

-Incidence has increased due to aging population , increased participation in sports, and the rise of osteoporosis.
-Managed with immobilization, fixation, or hemiarthroplasty in cases of an unstable humeral head fracture.
(supracondylar fracture/elbow fracture)

Question 26

Supracondylar Fracture

Answer 26

• Elbow Fracture

- Occurs at the distal end of the humerus. Can also result in injury to nerves and arteries that pass along this area.

Question 27

Hip Fracture

Answer 27

-Most common fractures in adults older than 50 years of age.
-Typically refers to a fracture of the proximal femur
(Intracapsular Fracture/Extracapsular Fracture)
-Managed with closed reduction, ORIF, or hemiarthroplasty for some fractures of the neck and head of the femur.

Question 28

The Role of Occupational Therapy in Rehabilitation

Answer 28

• Normalize edema and achieve normal ROM to uncasted joints during immobility
• Return function of the extremity once movement precautions are lifted.
• Prevent complications such as uncontrolled edema, joint contractures, nerve compression, tendon rupture, stiffness, complex regional pain syndrome, and uncontrolled pain.
• Promote engagement in occupation and role engagement throughout the course of healing.