Ortho Flashcards
What is the presentation of fat embolism syndrome?
Resp symptoms
Neuro changes
Reddish brown petechial rash
How long after injury does fat embolism present?
24-72 hours
What are the 4 functional components of the extremity exam after trauma?
Nerves
Vessels
Bones
Soft tissues
What is the pathophysiology of fat embolism syndrome?
Embolization of fat and marrow content from fractured long bones, especially femur - affects brain and lungs most
What are the 3 nerve injury types?
Neuropraxia
Axonotmesis
Neurotmesis
What sign is a humeral shaft fracture associated with?
Radial n injury –> wrist drop
Why does open fracture require special treatment?
Communication with environment disrupts soft tissue/skin and requires special treatment due to infection risk
Why is it important to do a thorough secondary survey after trauma?
To avoid missing additional fractures
What must the XR show in any bone fracture?
Joint above and below
What constitutes an open fracture?
Soft tissue wound + fracture
In patients with femoral neck fracture, what else must we look for?
Femoral neck fracture
What antibiotics are appropriate for open fracture?
First gen cephalosporin +/- aminoglycoside
Within what time frame should open fractures be managed?
W/in 6 hour
What is the protocol for treating an open fracture?
- Antibiotics
- Irrigation and surgical debridement
- External fixation immediately if unstable
- Internal fixation is definitive
Within how long should a closed fracture be managed?
Within 2-12 hours: intramedually nailing
Why is prompt management important for closed fracture?
Reduces risk of fat embolism syndrome
What are the main surgical risks of fracture repair?
Infection
Nonunion
Nerve or vessel injury
Amputation
What is a dangerous sequela of a tibia fracture?
Compartment syndrome
What is neuropraxia?
Minimal injury to myelin, but not axon or nerve sheath
What is axonotmesis?
Myelin + axon disrupted, nerve sheath intact. Wallerian degeneration
What is neurotmesis?
Myelon + axon + nerve sheath damaged. Wallerian degeneration
What is the most important determinant of severity for open fractures?
Energy imparted to the limb
Which grades of open fractures need additional antibiotic coverage with aminoglycoside?
Grade IIIA, B, C
Why is it important to have early stabilization of open fractures?
Protect soft tissues around the injury and prevent further damage secondary to mobile fracture fragments
What is reduction?
Putting displaced bones back to normal anatomic position
Open: through surgical incision
Closed: External manipulation of limb
What are 2 main concerns with femur fracture?
- Fat embolism
- Blood loss: highly vascular: monitor for shock
What type of orthopedic fracture is at greatest risk for hemorrhagic shock?
Pelvic fractures
What is management for fat embolism syndrome?
- Ventilatory support w/ high PEEP
- Early stabilization of fractures
- Possibly steroids
What is most important step to prevent fat embolism in poly trauma patient?
Early stabilization of long bone fractures w/in first 24 hours
What to watch out for in crush injuries?
Compartment syndrome
Rhabdo leading to kidney failure
What does acute trauma to the knee with anterior knee laxity suggest?
ACL injury
If a patient can bear weight, what can we assume?
Fracture less likely
What are the key components of the knee exam?
Gait Observation Palpation ROM Joint line tenderness Neurovascular Knee maneuvers
What is the major concern with a knee dislocation?
Vasculature damage: dysvascular limb risking amputation