Internal Fracture Fixation (1 of 4) Flashcards
What are the 2 general types of fracture fixation?
Non-surgical
Surgical
What is an example of a non-surgical fx fixation?
External coaptation
What are 2 examples of surgical fx fixation?
External skeletal fixator (ESF)
Internal fracture fixation
What are the 4 main goals of fx fixation?
Restore length and alignment
Minimize motion at fx ends
Permit early ambulation and use of as many joints as possible during healing
Balance forces that promote healing with those that promote resorption
What does “alignment” mean with regards to fx fixation?
Means alignment of the limb, not the fracture fragments
Why is it important to minimize motion at the fx ends?
Rubbing causes bone to wear away
What is Wolff’s law?
Bone remodels based on the forces applied
- Thickens in response to increased force
- Weakens in response to decreased forces
What are 4 pros of internal fixation?
Variety of options
Promotes normal muscle/joint fxn
Fewer re-checks
Nothing externally to monitor
What are 3 cons of internal fixation?
Expense
Needs surgeon training
May need second surgery to remove
What are 3 pros to external coaptation?
Limited supplies needed
Specialized training is limited
Avoids a prolonged surgical procedure
What are 4 cons to external coaptation?
Frequent re-checks and bandage changes
Only for very specific fxs
Risk of bandage morbidity preventing continued use
Immobilized joints
What are 2 main indications for external coaptation?
Fx below the knee or elbow
Fx expected to heal rapidly
In addition to being below the knee or elbow, what are 4 more specific indications for the fx to be eligible for external coaptation?
Minimally displaced and amenable to reduction
Transverse, simple, closed
Greenstick
Non-articular
What are some things that may hinder fracture healing?
Metabolic dz
Steroids
Immunosuppressants
What are the two approaches for internal fixation?
Open anatomic reduction/reconstruction (surgical approach)
Biological osteosynthesis
What are 3 qualities of the open anatomic reduction/reconstruction approach?
Primary bone healing (
What are 3 qualities of the biological osteosynthesis approach?
Avoids disruption of fx hematoma
Less rigid fixation
Secondary healing
What is the desire when using biological osteosynthesis approach?
Restore length, alignment and provide support to allow bone to heal
What type of fx is open anatomic reconstruction required for?
Articular fractures
What type of fx is open anatomic reconstruction most appropriate for?
Repair of transverse, oblique, segmental and minimally comminuted fractures
What are the two kinds of biological osteosynthesis?
“Open but do not touch”
“Minimally invasive osteosynthesis”
What is “open but do not touch” biological osteosynthesis?
Fx is surgically approached and visualized and the ends are not manipulated
How is the fracture fixed with “open but do not touch” biological osteosynthesis?
Fx is reduced via traction of bone away from the fracture with minimal disturbance of the hematoma.
What is “minimally invasive osteosynthesis”?
Implants are placed through incisions distant to the fx, fracture is NOT approached