Lower Limb Traumas Flashcards
What are the most common types of lower limb trauma?
Common types include fractures, dislocations, ligament injuries, tendon ruptures, compartment syndrome, and vascular injuries.
What is the most frequently fractured bone in the lower limb?
The tibia is the most frequently fractured bone in the lower limb due to its subcutaneous position.
What is the typical mechanism of injury for a femoral shaft fracture?
A femoral shaft fracture typically results from high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or falls from height.
How does a femoral neck fracture typically present in elderly patients?
Elderly patients with femoral neck fractures often present with hip pain and an externally rotated, shortened lower limb.
What are the possible complications of a femoral neck fracture?
Complications include avascular necrosis, nonunion, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
What is the difference between an intracapsular and extracapsular hip fracture?
Intracapsular fractures occur within the hip joint capsule, while extracapsular fractures occur outside the capsule and have better blood supply.
What is the most common site of tibial fractures, and why?
The tibial shaft is commonly fractured at its junction between the middle and distal third due to its narrow structure.
How do you clinically differentiate between a tibial shaft fracture and a fibular fracture?
A tibial shaft fracture presents with severe pain, deformity, and inability to bear weight, while a fibular fracture may be subtle with minimal symptoms.
What is compartment syndrome, and how is it related to lower limb trauma?
Compartment syndrome is a condition where increased pressure within a muscle compartment compromises circulation and tissue function.
What are the signs and symptoms of acute compartment syndrome?
Symptoms include severe pain out of proportion to the injury, tense swelling, paresthesia, and absent distal pulses in severe cases.
What is the appropriate emergency management of acute compartment syndrome?
Emergency management includes immediate fasciotomy to relieve pressure and restore circulation.
What structures are most commonly injured in a knee dislocation?
Knee dislocations often injure the popliteal artery and the cruciate ligaments.
What is the clinical significance of a posterior knee dislocation?
Posterior knee dislocations are serious due to the high risk of popliteal artery injury, which can lead to limb ischemia.
What are the most commonly injured ligaments in an ankle sprain?
The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is the most commonly injured ligament in ankle sprains.
What is a Maisonneuve fracture, and how does it occur?
A Maisonneuve fracture is a spiral fracture of the proximal fibula associated with ankle syndesmosis injury.
How is an Achilles tendon rupture diagnosed clinically?
Achilles tendon rupture is diagnosed clinically by a positive Thompson test (absence of plantar flexion when squeezing the calf).
What are the risk factors for Achilles tendon rupture?
Risk factors include corticosteroid use, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, prior tendinitis, and sudden forceful movements.
What is the most commonly fractured tarsal bone, and what mechanism causes its fracture?
The calcaneus is the most commonly fractured tarsal bone, usually due to high-impact axial loading (e.g., falls from height).
How does a calcaneal fracture typically occur, and what associated injuries should be considered?
Calcaneal fractures often occur from falls and are associated with spinal compression fractures.
What is a Lisfranc injury, and how does it commonly occur?
A Lisfranc injury is a disruption of the tarsometatarsal joint complex, commonly due to axial loading with the foot in plantarflexion.
What is the typical presentation of a quadriceps tendon rupture?
A quadriceps tendon rupture presents with an inability to extend the knee and a palpable gap above the patella.
How does a patellar fracture commonly occur, and how is it managed?
A patellar fracture often results from direct trauma or forceful contraction of the quadriceps and may require surgical fixation.
What is the unhappy triad injury of the knee, and what structures are involved?
The unhappy triad consists of injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and medial meniscus.
How does a meniscal tear typically present clinically?
Meniscal tears present with joint line tenderness, swelling, locking, and a positive McMurray test.
What is the most common type of hip dislocation, and what nerve is at risk?
Posterior hip dislocation is the most common, and the sciatic nerve is at risk of injury.
How do you clinically assess for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following lower limb trauma?
Clinical assessment includes leg swelling, pain, warmth, and a positive Homan’s sign, though ultrasound is the gold standard for diagnosis.
What is fat embolism syndrome, and how is it related to lower limb fractures?
Fat embolism syndrome occurs due to fat droplets entering the circulation after long bone fractures, leading to respiratory distress, petechiae, and neurological symptoms.
What are the indications for surgical intervention in lower limb fractures?
Surgical intervention is indicated for displaced fractures, open fractures, neurovascular compromise, and intra-articular fractures.
What is a stress fracture, and what are common locations in the lower limb?
A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone due to repetitive stress, commonly seen in the tibia, metatarsals, and femoral neck.
What are the potential complications of open fractures in the lower limb?
Complications of open fractures include infection, osteomyelitis, nonunion, and compartment syndrome.
