Musculoskeletal & Soft Tissue Trauma Flashcards
Name 4 causes of a fracture
Trauma
Abnormal muscle contraction
Pathological fracture
Stress fracture
What is a fracture?
A traumatic injury to a bone in which the continuity of the tissue of the bone is broken
Name 3 categories of fractures
Simple/closed fracture
Compound/open fracture
Complicated fracture
Describe a simple fracture
No break or wound in overlying skin.
Blood may be lost into the surrounding tissues.
Eg. NOF, maleolus, humerus fractures
Describe compound fracture
Bone has pierced through the skin.
Penetrating wound down to area of damaged bone.
Eg. Usually mva
Describe complicated fracture
A fracture accompanied by injury to neighbouring soft tissues such as nerves and blood vessels
Eg. Fractured rib goes through lung or liver
Signs/symptoms of fractures
Pain at fracture site Deformity Swelling Loss of movement- important sign for pelvic fracture Grating or crepitus
Describe dislocation
Dislocations occur when the joint is forced beyond its anatomical ROM and as a result the joint surfaces are no longer in contact.
Described as:
Anterior/posterior
Medial/lateral
Signs/symptoms of dislocation
Very severe pain Deformity of the joint Inability to move the joint Tenderness Swelling
What is a strain?
Injury to muscle or tendon (muscle to bone)
What is a sprain?
Injury to a ligament (attached bone to bone)
Signs sprain
Localised pain
Additional pain on movement
May be considerable swelling
Bruising may develop quickly
2 ways to assess musculoskeletal injuries?
Inspect: deformity, swelling, bruising, perfusion, compare to other limb
Palpate: crepitus, bony tenderness, skin temp, distal pulse
Name 4 types of closed wounds
Haematoma
Contusion
Crush injuries
Compartment syndrome
What is a Haematoma?
Bleeding under the skin
What is a contusion
Bleeding under skin
What is a crush injury?
Can be caused by wide range of situations; vehicle, shaft/trench collapse, commercial pressed.
The crush syndrome is progressive multiple organ failure some hours after injury.
Wastes released into circulatory system
What is compartment syndrome?
Increased pressure within a confined space in the body eg. Feet. Remember 5 P's Pain Paralysis Pallor Pulselessness Paraesthesia Y
What is paraesthesia?
Abnormal sensation, tingling/prickling caused by pressure on peripheral nerves.
Name 6 types of open wounds
Lacerations Abrasions Avulsion Puncture/penetrating Amputation Bites
List wound infection control considerations
Time, mechanism (laceration, abrasion), location, severity, contamination, cleansing, technique of repair, general patient condition.
Name 3 steps in general haemorrhage control
Direct pressure
Elevation
Tourniquet
List adverse effects of pain
Hypertension
Tachycardia
Increased myocardial demand
SJAA WAAS analgesia for pain relief
Paracetamol Cophenylcaine Methoxyflurane Fentanyl Ketamine
What is malignant hyperthermia?
A hereditary condition in which certain anaesthetics cause high body temperatures and muscle rigidity.
