Ortho Tools Flashcards
Define the safe triangle
4-6th intercostal spaces
Anterior to midaxillary line
Posterior to Pectoralis Major muscle
Chest drain:
Complications
Early:
Pain from inadequate analgesia
Haemorrhage due to NV bundle damage
Organ perforation
Late: Failure and bronchopleural fistula Long thoracic nerve damage --> winging of the scapula Wound infection Blockage
Fractured Plate:
Indications
Internal fixation of fractures
Need at least 2 screws
Types of fixation
Plaster of Paris
Continuous traction: collar and cuff
External fixation
Intramedullary nail
K wires
Dynamic hip screw
Cannulated screws
Hemi-arthroplasty prosthesis (Austin Moore):
Indications
Intracapsular neck of femur fracture: Garden 3/4
Intramedullary nail:
Complications
Fracture during nail insertion
Infection
Fat embolus
Delayed or non-union
Fat embolism syndrome
Presents with SOB, petechial rash and confusion
Typically 24-72h between injury and onset
Managed supportively and with steroids
Stiff Neck Collar:
Sizing
Measure the number of fingers from the clavicle to the angle of the mandible
‘Key dimension’ then compares to the sizing peg in the hard collar
NEXUS criteria for clearing the C-Spine
Clinical clearance:
NSAID
Neurological deficit Spinal tenderness in the midline Altered consciousness Intoxication Distracting injury
Radiological:
If patient doesn’t meet criteria for clinical clearance.
X Ray or CT spine if not conclusive
Mannitol:
Indications
Osmotic diuretic
Lower intracranial pressure
Decrease intraocular pressure in hyphema
Mannitol:
Complications
May increase ICP in the long term
Contraindicated in severe cardiac failure and pulmonary oedema
Chet drain tube and trocar:
Indications
Drainage of the pleural cavities
Pneumothorax (traumatic, ventilated, persistent)
Pleural effusion
Post-Op (thoracotomy, post-oesophagectomy)
