T7: Fractures & Amputations Flashcards
fractures
A disruption or break in the continuity of the structure of bone
delayed union
fracture healing process more slowly than expected, healing eventually occurs
nonunion
Fracture fails to heal despite treatment. No x-ray evidence of callus formation.
malunion`
Fracture heals in expected time but in unsatisfactory position, possibly resulting in deformity or dysfunction.
Ex: healed wrist fracture that results in a noticeable deformity or limitation in movement due to the bones healing misaligned
angulation
Fracture heals in abnormal position in relation to midline of structure (type of malunion).
Ex: if a child’s forearm bone fractures and heals at an angle, there might be a visible bend in the arm
Pseudoarthrosis
Type of nonunion occurring at fracture site in which a false joint is formed with abnormal movement at site.
could be a long-standing nonunion of the tibia where there is abnormal movement at the fracture site, indicating pseudoarthrosis.
cross check with book
refracture
New fracture occurs at original fracture site.
myositis ossificans
Deposition of calcium in muscle tissue at site of significant blunt muscle trauma or repeated muscle injury.
Ex: following a deep thigh bruise or trauma, a person might develop a hard, bone-like mass inside the muscle, which is indicative of myositis ossificans
clinical manifestations of fracture
*Localized pain
*Decreased function
*Inability to bear weight or use
*Guard against movement
*May or may not have deformity
if you suspect a fracture what should you do?
immobilize
overall goals of fracture treatment
*Anatomic realignment (reduction)
*Immobilization
*Restoration of normal or near-normal function
closed reduction
Nonsurgical, manual realignment of bone fragments usually done under local or general anesthesia and is immobilized afterwards
open reduction
correction of bone alignment through a surgical incision.
ORIF
open reduction internal fixation
ORIF facilitates
early ambulation that decreases the risk of complications related to prolonged immobility
when do we put on a cast
AFTER the swelling has gone down
what is the purpose of traction
*Prevent or ↓ pain and muscle spasm
*Immobilize joint or part of body
*Reduce fracture or dislocation
*Treat a pathologic joint condition
what is traction
a device that applies a pulling force on a fractured extremity to attain realignment while counter traction pulls in the opposite direction
skin traction
*Short-term (48-72 hours)
*Tape, boots, or splints applied directly to skin
*Traction weights 5 to 10 pounds
what assessment should be done for skin traction
regular assessment of the skin, pedal pulses and cap refill
buck’s traction
a type of skin traction that is used to immobilize a fracture, prevent hip flexion contractures, and reduce muscle spasms.
femur, hip, knee
skeletal traction
*Long-term pull to maintain alignment
*Pin or wire inserted into bone
*Weights 5 to 45 lbs
what are the major complications of skeletal traction
-infection at the pin insertion site
-effects of prolonged immobility
what is the most important thing to remember about skeletal traction?
-KEEP THE WEIGHTS OFF THE FLOOR
-maintain continuous traction
-elevate the end of the bed
What is a body jacket brace used for?
immobilization and support for stable spine injuries of the thoracic or lumbar spine injuries
when does superior mesenteric artery syndrome (cast syndrome) occur
*occurs if the brace is applied too tightly, which results in compression of the superior mesenteric artery against the duodenum.
clinical manifestations of superior mesenteric artery syndrome (cast syndrome)
Abd pain, pressure, N/V
assessment for patients in a body jacket brace and superior mesenteric artery syndrome
*monitoring respiratory status, bowel and bladder function, and areas of pressure over the bony prominences, especially the iliac crest.
-The brace may need to be adjusted or removed if any complications occur.
what is the treatment for superior mesenteric artery syndrome
includes gastric decompression with a nasogastric (NG) tube and suction
after lower extremity cast/dressing application…
the extremity should be elevated on pillows above heart level for the first 24 hours and DO NOT PLACE IN DEPENDENT POSITION after the initial phase to avoid excess edema
signs of compartment syndrome
pain unrelieved by medication, swelling, cyanosis or pallor of the digits, and decreased pulse and skin temperature
external fixation
*metallic device composed of metal pins that are inserted into the bone and attached to external rods to stabilize the fracture while it heals.
what indicated infection of external fixation?
exudate, erythema, tenderness, pain
patient teaching for external fixation
*meticulous pin care.
what is often used for pin care
chlorhexidine 2mg/ml
facial fractures intervention
airway maintenance, suctioning, positioning