Injury Flashcards
Define ‘incomplete fracture’
A partial crack which doesn’t cause complete separation of the bone
Define ‘complete fracture’
A total break separating the bone into fragments
Name the eight types of fracture
Transverse, Oblique, Spiral, Communicated, Avulsion, Impacted, Fissure, Greenstick
Describe a transverse fracture
When a fracture line is perpendicular to the shaft (long side) of the bone
Describe an oblique fracture
When the fracture line is on an angle through the bone
Describe an spiral fracture
A circular, twisted type of fracture when a rotating force is applied along the axis of a bone
Describe a communicated fracture
When the bone breaks into several pieces
Describe an avulsion fracture
When a tendon or ligament pulls of a piece of bone
Describe an impacted fracture
When broken ends of a bone are jammed together by the force of the injury
Describe a fissure fracture
When a hairline size crack occurs on the surface of the bone
Describe a greenstick fracture
When a bone bends but does not fully break, most common in children because they have greater flexibility and softer bones
How do fractures occur?
As a result of a direct or indirect force (falling/ poor technique)
What are the symptoms of bone fractures?
Pain, inability to move, unnatural movement, deformity, swelling and discolouration
Define ‘dislocation’
When a bone is disturbed out of place within a joint out of its original position
How do dislocations occur?
From direct or indirect force that pulls the joint out of its range of motion
What are the symptoms of dislocation?
Pain, loss of movement, deformity and/ or feeling of something having ‘popped’
Describe the two types of dislocation
Anterior - a forward dislocation (95% of all shoulder dislocations)
Posterior - comes out of the joint backwards
What is Haematoma? What are the symptoms?
Localised congealed bleeding from ruptured tissue, swelling and discolouration
What is a contusion?
A region of injured tissue or skin in which the blood capillaries have been ruptured which may cause deep tissue damage
What is a sprain? What are the symptoms? How is it caused?
Overstretched or torn ligaments as a result of a fall or twist that forces the joint out of its range of movement
- pain, swelling, bruising, inability to bear weight
What is a strain? How is it caused? What are the symptoms?
Damage to muscle fibres or tendons caused by over-stretching or a rupture by muscle contractions occurring too quickly
- pain, swelling, discolouration and bruising
What are the grades of a strain?
1 - damage to less than 5% of muscle fibres (2/3 weeks rest)
2 - loss of strength and motion but not complete rupture (3-6 weeks rest)
3 - complete rupture usually requires surgery and 3 months of rehab
What is an abrasion? How is it caused? Symptoms?
Superficial damage to the skin usually occurs by a scraping action against a hard surface, can be treated at home but the worst will damage nerve endings and lacerations need medical attention
What is a blister?
Separation of layers of skin where a pocket of fluid occurs but can be prevented with adequate clothing
