Lecture 1 Flashcards
Fracture
structural separation in continuity of a bone, an epiphyseal plate or a cartilaginous joint surface
When should PTs detect fractures?
PT provide initial screening after traumatic event
PT provide initial screening for repetitive traumas
possibility of fracture during PT session
there is possibility of fracture occurring after surgery
Signs and symptoms of fracture
localized/specific pain aggravated by movement
muscle guarding with passive movement
pain w/weightbearing
decreased function of body part
swelling, deformity, abnormal movement
sharp, specific, excruciating pain
crepitus
Risk factors for fractures
evidence or history of high energy trauma or sudden impact
osteoporosis
history of falls w/increasing age, low body mass index, low levels of PA
Soft tissues & fractures
soft tissue may be injured as well
potentially serious if near artery/nerve
fractures in center of body–> internal organs, spinal cord, brain injured
Fracture blister
shear forces on skin
possible wound and infection
Adherent scar
bone poking through skin
Fracture causes
bending
twisting
straight pull
crushing
repetitive microtrauma
normal force on abnormal bone
Bending
long bone bends, fracture on convex side
type: transverse, oblique, greenstick
Twisting
spiral tension failure
type: spiral
Straight pull
tension failure from pull of ligament or muscle
type: avulsion
Crushing
compacts or bursts bone
type: compression, burst, buckle
Repetitive microtrauma
small crack in bone unaccustomed to stress
type: fatigue, stress
Normal force on abnormal bone
osteoporosis, tumor, other disease
type: pathological fracture
How to identify fractures
site
extent
configuration
relationship of fragments
relationship to environment
complications
Position of fracture
described by how distal fragment displaces in relationship to the proximal fragment
Comminuted
more than 2 fragments