General Trauma Flashcards
what is polytrauma
more than one major long bone is injured
major complications of poly trauma are
SIRS
ARDS
Multi organ dysfunction syndrome
death
what do intramedullary nails increase the risk of
fat embolism
what cells build new bone
osteoblasts
difference between healing by primary and secondary intention
primary - gap is small and new bone can form spontaneously
secondary - large gaps so this need to be filled to allow healing eg ORIF
describe the types of fractures
transverse oblique spiral comminuted segmental
cardinal features of compartment syndrome
increased pain on PASSIVE stretch of muscle
severe pain not explained by clinical context
swollen limb
tender to touch
pulses usually present - absent pulses is a LATE sign
treatment of compartement syndrome
fasciotomy
complication of compartment syndrome
ischaemic muscle will necrose resulting in a fibrotic contracture known as Volkmann’s ischaemic contracture
describe what neurapraxia means
occurs when the nerve has a temporary conduction defect from compression or stretch and resolve over time with full recovery (can take up to 28 days)
describe what axonotmesis means
sustained compression or stretch of nerve with subsequent distal axonal death - recovery more variable and may take longer or not recover fully
what is neurotmesis
complete transection of nerve - needs surgical repair
usually occurs only in a penetrating injury
nerve injury in colles fracture
median nerve
nerve injury in anterior dislocation of the shoulder
axillary nerve
nerve injury in humeral shaft fracture
radial - wrist drop
