limb injury and management

Question 1

what antibiotics do you give for an open fracture?

Answer 1

IV co-amoxiclav- withtin 3 hours
(co-trimoxazole & metronidazole)
until wound closes

Question 2

what is compartment syndrome?

Answer 2

increased pressure in a muscle department. commonly on forearm and hand, foot and thigh / buttock

Question 3

what are the symptoms of compartment syndrome?

Answer 3

disproportionate pain, pain on stretching

Question 4

what is the treatment of compartment syndrome?

Answer 4

release all casts & dressings, emergency fasciotomy (cut right through skin and fascia, remove any dead muscle)

Question 5

list some of the treatment options for fractures

Answer 5

casts/splints
K wires
internal fixation with plates and screws
internal fixation with intramedullary nails
external fixation
joint replacement

Question 6

what is the difference between a colles and smith fracture?

Answer 6

Colles fracture, the broken piece of your wrist bone (radius) points backward. Smith fractures are the opposite: The broken end of your bone points forward