Pelvic Fracture Flashcards
1
Q
What causes a pelvic fracture
A
- Forceful trauma
*MVA
*falls from great heights
*less severe trauma can cause pelvic fractures in the elderly or those with osteoporosis
2
Q
What are stable pelvic fractures
A
- Isolated fractures (ilium and pubic rami) that do not cross the pelvic ring
*do not interfere with stability in regards to WB
*do not need reduction
3
Q
What are unstable pelvic fractures
A
- Fractures that cross and disrupt the pelvic ring and interfere with stability
*potentially lethal
4
Q
How will a patient present with a pelvic fracture
A
- Patient may present with shock due to extensive internal hemorrhage in more severe cases
- History of trauma
5
Q
What will be found on the PE
A
- Swelling
- Possible deformity of the hips
- Possible instability of the pelvic ring
6
Q
What are the diagnostic findings
A
- X rays
*ap
*lat
*right and left oblique - CT
7
Q
What are the complications of a pelvic fracture
A
- May have multiple fractures
- Internal hemorrhage/shock
*due to torn blood vessel and extravasating of urine
8
Q
What can be damaged in a pelvic fracture besides the pelvis
A
Bladder or urethral
*injury to sacral plexus of nerves
9
Q
What is the treatment/management of a pelvic fracture
A
- Emergency treatment
*focus on internal hemorrhage and extravastion of urin
*manage shock
10
Q
If blood is present when inserting a catheter what does that indicate
A
- If the blood is present in the urethra and catheter cannot be inserted
*urethra is torn - If catheter can be passed and there is blood in the urine
*immediate cystogram to determine if bladder wall is ruptured
11
Q
What is the treatment of a pelvic fracture
A
- Correct the deformity to prevent malunion
12
Q
What is the treatment of an isolated ilium fracture that is stable
A
- non WB until pain subsides
13
Q
What is the treatment for isolated pubic or ischial rami fracture
A
NWB
*can be associated with urethra/bladder tearing when both pubic rami are fractured
