Recap On Fractures Flashcards
What are some bone disorders?
Agenesis- a limb only partially forms
Osteogenesis imperfect- brittle bone disease
Spina bifida- arches of spinous processes don’t form- Spinal cord protrudes and gets damaged.
What are some disorders of the bones linked to aging
Osteopenia- bones get thinner, bone building ability declines when you age. Osteoblasts decreases and osteoclasts increase. Women are more at risk.
Osteoporosis - reduction in bone mass occurs and starts to affect function. Non weight bearing can cause it. It’s normally picked up after having a fracture. Women lose bone mass faster after menopause however a poor diet can contribute to the likelihood of development.
What is a fracture
Fractures are breaks that are caused by mechanical stress which creates an excessive force so the bone breaks.
What are the different types of fractures?
Closed/ simple- skins not broken and the soft tissue isn’t affected
Impacted- one fragment of the fracture is driven into another with such a force , 2 bone breaks are forced into each other- common one is shaft of femur going into head of femur.
Displaced- normally more than 2 fragments, move from their original position due to lots of muscle spasm, femur is a good example, pull fracture so it displaces.
Comminuted- completely broken into lots of pieces.
Shape of fracture
Spiral- caused by twisting forces
Oblique- combination of twisting and direct force - common in ankle injuries
Green stick - only seen in children- bends however difficult to break
Depressed-bit of the skull bone has depressed downwards
Transverse- direct blow in horizontal axis- common in patients that have been hit by a car.
What is the 4 Different stages of fractures?
Hematoma formation - occurs immediately first 72 hours
Fibrocartilaginius callus formation-3-4 week - spongy
Bony callus formation
Bone remodelling- bone is enlarged, usually has a bump, always shows up in X-ray
Which limb usually heals quicker
Upper limb
What factors affect the rate of healing?
Type of fracture Site of fracture Vascular supply Age of patient Movement at fracture Separation at bone ends Infection Bone pathology
What are the clinical features of a fracture?
Pain and tenderness Swelling and bruising Deformity and angulation Impaired function Shock X-Ray - Ap and lateral
What is the treatment for a fracture?
Closed- simple fractures with minimum soft tissue damage- immobilisation in a sling, cast or splint, once consolidation is achieved if necessary
Open- simple fracture which needs a higher level of mobilisation near the joint- lots of fractures heal by themselves and mobilisation is all this is required.
What are the complications of a fracture?
Delayed/ map/ non union A vascular necrosis Sudecks atrophy Compartment syndrome Tendon injury Osteoarthritis Growth impairment Myosisitis ossificans
