Fractures Flashcards
How do you describe a fracture?
For long bones can talk about proximal, middle, and distal thirds Location - Inside our outside joint Orientation Comminuted Open/closed
How can you tell that it is an open fracture on x-ray?
Look for soft tissue contour
Gas
Potential site of exit
How can you determine whether or not an open fracture needs to be operated on sooner or later?
Consider
- Size
- Mechanism of injury
What are the different types of fractures?
Hairline - Tend not to use this term clinically Greenstick - Only in children - One cortex broken and the other attached Simple transverse Simple oblique Simple spiral Comminuted Crush - Used more to describe injury
How can you describe the deformity caused by the fracture?
Angulation
Displacement
Rotation
What are the words describing anterior and posterior in the wrist?
Anterior = volar Posterior = dorsal
How can you describe angulation?
Valgus and varus
How do you assess for associated injuries?
Primary survey - ABCD Secondary survey - Deformed - Perfused - Movement
Which spinal fractures can be life-threatening?
Fractures at C3-5 can damage nerve roots > control diaphragm
What x-rays make up a trauma series?
Chest
C-spine
Pelvis
How would you optimise fracture healing?
Reduction
Bony opposition
Stable
Be able to mobilise and weight bear
What are some factors affecting wound healing?
Diabetes
Smoking
Nutrition
What are the potential complications of a fracture?
Compartment syndrome
Haemorrhage
Infection
Avascular necrosis
What is compartment syndrome?
Increase intra-compartmental pressure
Which bones are most susceptible to avascular necrosis?
Scaphoid
Neck of femur
Talus
