Multi-Trauma

Question 1

External fixation percutaneous to the pin site has a risk of what?

Answer 1

Infection tracking in through the pins. Can result in wound infection and osteomyelitis.

Question 2

What individuals are at risk of a fat embolism?

Answer 2

Patients with long bone fractures

Question 3

Patients with a fat embolism, symptoms will usually occur within ____ hours

Answer 3

24 hours

Question 4

Compartment syndrome is when the

Answer 4

interstitial pressure exceeds the perfusion pressure at the level of the capillary beds which leads to ischemia and ultimately cell death

Question 5

Diagnosis of compartment syndrome?

Answer 5

‘The Classic P’s’

Pain, paraesthesia, paralysis, pallor (pale colour of the skin), pulseless

Question 6

What is the cause of compartment syndrome?

Answer 6

• An increase in the closed space (i.e. bleeding)
  OR
• A decrease in the volume of the space
  (i.e. a tight plaster of paris)

Question 7

For open wound management, what are some methods for wound closure?

Answer 7

Sutures
Split Skin Graft
Full Thickness Graft
Vacuum Assisted Closure

Question 8

Fracture Complications Include

Answer 8

Infection
Blood Loss
Fat Embolism
Compartment Syndrome
Pressure Areas (immobility)

Question 9

Individuals with long bone fractures are at risk of a fat embolism. A fat embolism is where …

Answer 9

fat particles enter the circulatory system. It can progress to a fat embolism, with symptoms usually occurring within 24 hours of injury

(petechial rash, deteriorating mental state, progressive respiratory insufficiency, possible multi system dysfunction)

Question 10

A goal for treatment of spinal fractures is to …

Answer 10

obtain stability and prevent neurological deficit

Question 11

Why is conservative management sometimes more difficult for patients with spinal fractures?

Answer 11

If they are non-compliant

Question 12

Spinal fractures are categorised by the columns that are affected. The posterior column involves the

Answer 12

neural arch, pedicles, spinous process and posterior ligament complex

Question 13

Spinal fractures are categorised by the columns that are affected. The middle column involves the

Answer 13

Posterior longitudinal ligament, posterior part of the annulus, and the posterior part of the vertebral wall

Question 14

Spinal fractures are categorised by the columns that are affected. The anterior column involves the

Answer 14

Anterior longitudinal ligament, anterior part of the annulus and the vertebral body

Question 15

Unstable spinal injuries are usually when their is damage to the

Answer 15

Middle AND anterior/posterior columns

Question 16

What are the different types of spinal injuries?

Answer 16

Compression Fractures
Burst Fractures
Seat Belt Type Injury
Fracture Dislocation