Fractures - Essential Facts Flashcards
What is the quickest way to restore function to a displaced fracture?
Most displaced fractures must be reduced and stabilized , followed by rehabilitation to restore function
How are long bone fractures treated?
Many fractures are suitable for non-operative treatment but major long bone fractures are usually treated surgically.
How are periarticular or intraarticular best treated to compensate for joint incongruity or malalignment?
Periarticular fractures or intra-articular fractures that result in joint incongruity or malalignment are best treated with internal fixation.
How are paediatric fractures best treated?
Most paediatric fractures are amenable to non-operative treatment, but fractures involving the growth plate require accurate reduction and occasionally internal fixation.
What is one danger of dislocations?
Dislocations may be associated with neurovascular injury and require urgent reduction.
what is the most common cause of compartment syndrome?
Trauma is the most common cause of compartment syndrome.
What is the main danger of an open fracture?
Early infection typically occurs in open fractures; the risk is minimized by appropriate early management – wound excision and debridement, skeletal stabilization, and early wound closure or coverage.
What is a risk of high energy/open fracture with extensive damage to the bone blood supply?
Non-union affects about 5% of fractures; it is more common in susceptible patients who sustain high-energy or open fractures with extensive damage to the bone blood supply.
What is a relatively common complication after a fracture?
Mal-union is a relatively common complication after a fracture, especially following non-operative treatment. Some degree of mal-union is relatively well tolerated in some locations, such as the clavicle and humeral shaft.
What is a complication of intra-articular fractures?
Post-traumatic osteoarthritis is associated with displaced intra-articular fractures; the risk is proportional to the degree of residual joint incongruity
Avascular necrosis affects which specific bones most commonly?
Avascular necrosis is an occasional complication especially in displaced fractures, where the blood supply to one major fragment crosses the plane of the fracture and is disrupted. It is most commonly associated with talar neck, femoral neck and scaphoid fractures.
What complication of long bone fracture results in sympoms similar to thos of respiratory distress syndrome?
Fat embolism is complication of long-bone fractures and results in symptoms similar to those of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
What is a common risk factor for multiple fractures?
Lower-limb deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) occur in <1% of fractures; risk factors include older age, multiple trauma, lower-limb trauma and concomitant head injury. Low-molecular-weight heparin, unfractionated heparin and foot pumps prevent DVT in patients with fractures.
