Musculoskeletal Flashcards
Infection of the bone
Osteomyelitis
What causes Osteomyelitis?
Result of an infection elsewhere or as a result of a penetrating wound or open fracture
What could Osteomyelitis result from?
Otitis Upper respiratory infection Abcessed tooth Burn Trauma to the bone
Osteomyelitis sx
Irritable Diarrhea Poor feeding Temp may be normal or less than normal Bone pain Swelling Erythema
Osteomyelitis diagnosis
CBC
C-reactive protein
ESR
X-ray
Osteomyelitis tx
IV antibiotics for 3-4 weeks
Splinting of affected limb
Simple fracture
Intact
Compound fracture
Open wound
Transverse fracture
Fracture line at the right angle of the long axis of the bone
Oblique fracture
Slanting across bone
Spiral fracture
Circles around bone
Greenstick fracture
Break one side while the other side only bends
Growth plate injuries
Vulnerable because its the weakest part of the bone
What can a growth plate injury cause?
Growth disruption, arrest, or uneven growth
Sx of a fracture
Crepitus Decreased ROM Edema Inability to bear weight Loss of fctn Obvious deformity Pain Tenderness
Initial care for a fracture
Immobilize
Splint
Closed reduction
Alignment of the bone by manual manipulation or traction
Open reduction
Surgical alignment of the bone using wire, pins, bone screws or plates
Casts
Hold bones immobile
Offer protection after reduction of the fracture
Plaster casts
Conforms readily to body parts
Very heavy
Edges must be petaled
Fiberglass casts
Lightweight Water resistant Available in colors Dries quickly More expensive than plaster Not used for serious fractures
Traction
The application of a pulling force to a body part against a counter traction pull exerted in the opposite direction
Purposes of Traction
Immobilizes the fracture
Realign the proximal and distal portions of the bone
Decreases muscle spasms
Prevents further soft tissue damage
Skin traction
Applied directly to the skin
Exerts force on the body surfaces
Easy and noninvasive
Does not require anesthesia
Bucks extension
Boots or circular wrap applied to the leg
Traction was applied to the boot or wrap
Counteraction supplied by the child’s body
Short-term use for a dislocated hip
Bryant’s traction
Child is supine position with both legs flexed less than 90°
Child’s butt should be off of the mattress
Use for congenital hip dysplasia and fractured femur’s
Counteraction provided by child’s body
Both legs are always suspended even if only one has a fracture
Russell’s traction
Similar to Bucks extension, only a sling is underneath the knee suspending the affected leg
For fractured femurs
Skeletal traction
Uses pins, wires, tongs that have been surgically placed through the distal end of the down to apply direct pull to the bone
Allows traction for a longer time and with heavier weights
Crutchfield Tongs
Stabilizes fractures in the cervical and high thoracic area of the spine
Tongs are inserted on either side of the head through burr holes in the skull
