Neuromuscular/MSK Flashcards
Fractures
Rare in children and warrant an investigation to make sure it isn’t the result of abuse
Most common broken bone
Distal forearm
Most often from sports injuries
Common causes of fractures
Increase mobility and desire for freedom but immature motor skills
Trauma or abuse
Bone density
Birth injury (clavicle injury and sometimes that is intentionally done by MD to deliver an abnormally large baby or deliver rapidly one that is in distress)
Types of fractures: Simple or closed
Does not produce a break in the skin
Types of fractures: Open or compound
Fractured bone protrudes through the skin
Types of fractures: Complicated
Bone fragments have damaged other organs or tissues
Types of fractures: Comminuted
Small fragments of bone are broken from fractured shaft and lie in surrounding tissue
Types of fractures: Greenstick
When a bone isn’t broken all the way through, like a twig that you snap and breaks on one end but only bends on the other
Types of fractures: Spiral
Most often occurs in toddlers
Types of fractures: Transverse
break straight through
Types of fractures: Compound
Bones stick through skin
Growth plate (Epiphyseal plate) injury
Weakest point of long bone (cartilage)
Each long bone has 2 growth plates: at each end
Frequent site for damage during trauma. The injury may affect the future bone growth
Growth plate fracture treatment
May include open reduction and internal fixation to prevent growth disturbances
Not always seen on an xray so must get pedi ortho to evaluate
Growth plate Salter Harris classification system
Used to describe the degree of fracture I: transverse II: through and above the plate III: fracture below the plate IV: fracture through metaphysis and epiphysis V: crushing of physis
Fractures: Diagnostic
Radiography (only true way to diagnose) History taking (how it occured)
Fractures: Suspicion of fracture
In young child who refuses to walk or bear weight
Should be evaluated especially if child has specific point of injury, is specific about where and how it happen, and if they hear a crackling sound and if they have the inability to bear weight
Fractures: Manifestation
Pain Tenderness at site (could also be sprain/strain) Decreased ROM Immobility Deformity of extremity Edema Crepitus Ecchymosis Inability to bear weight Muscle spasm
Fractures: Goals
Reduction and immobilization
Restoring function
Preventing deformity
Fractures: Reduction
Repositioning of bones into normal alignment
Reduction can be done open or closed
Fractures: Reduction: Opened
Means needs an invasive procedure or surgery to realign the bone
Fractures: Reduction: Closed
Realigned bone without using an invasive procedure, although the setting of bone may occur w/anesthesia due to pain
Fractures: Retention or immobilization
The application of a device or mechanism to maintain the alignment of the bone until healing occurs, it can be with a cast, traction, plate, pin, or a combination of those
Fractures: Assessment
6Ps Pain Pallor Pulselessness Paresthesia Paralysis Pressure
Fractures: Casts application
Retention can be done through casting or traction
Give choices of color so the child can feel some sense of control
Explain procedure
When applying: provide distraction by talking about hobbies, pets…
The cast being applied reassures them its ok because they feel warmth from the application
Ensure proper padding of all boney prominences
Apply a stocking net before casting to protect the skin from any sharp edges after its dry