Ortho Fixation

Question 1

immobilizing bones to allow a fracture to heal by placing pins/screws into the bone on both ends of the fracture; pins are then secured together outside the skin with clamps and rods.

Answer 1

external fixation

Question 2

what are 2 advantages of external fixation?

Answer 2

quickly/easily applied
minimal risk of infection at site of fracture

Question 3

what is the risk of external fixation?

Answer 3

risk of infection where pins are inserted at the skin into the bone

Question 4

incision is made, fracture is reduced, and hardware is placed

Answer 4

open reduction internal fixation

Question 5

used to align and stabilize fractures. rods are inserted into the bone marrow canal in the center of the long bones of the extremities (femur or tibia)

Answer 5

intermedullary nail (or rod)

Question 6

what is an advantage of intermedullary nail (rod)?

Answer 6

IM rods share the load with the bone

Question 7

the way bones heal with some micromotion in which callus forms in the area of the fracture and serves to function as “mother nature’s cast”

Answer 7

indirect bone healing

Question 8

the bones heal with no motion between the bony fragments and is achieved by compressing the fracture fragments together; no callus can be seen on xray.

Answer 8

direct bone healing

Question 9

fixation with splint, cast, spanning external frame

Answer 9

external fixation

Question 10

fixation via implants with wires, screws, plates, or intramedullary nail/rod

Answer 10

internal fixation

Question 11

the “re-set” of bone when it is fractured and out of alignment or unstable

Answer 11

reduction