Test 4: Modalities and digit fractures Flashcards
Ultrasound
Sound waves used for pain reduction, increase rate of recovery, and speed up healing process
2 primary frequencies for ultrasound
- 1 MHz: used to target deeper tissues (5 to 6 cm)
- 3 MHz: used for more superficial structures (1 to 2 cm)
Conduction
An exchange of heat when two surfaces come into contact with another
-hot/cold packs, paraffin
Convection
An exchange of thermal energy between object and fluid substance
-fluidotherapy, whirlpool
Conversion
Energy converted to heat
-continuous ultrasound
Contraindications for thermal modalities
- Diminished sensation
- too old/too young
- nerve laceration
- acute inflammation
- impaired circulation/ cognition
- vascular instability
- Raynuad’s disease
- Over malignant spot
- Open wound/ bleeding issues
Precautions for thermal modalities
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Infection
Diameter of Ultrasound head
-1 cm sound head= 1 to 3 times the diameter (multiply by 2) for every 5 minutes
Fracture timelines for healing based on location in hand
- Metacarpal fracture: 3-5 weeks
- Proximal phalanx shaft fracture: 5 to 7 weeks
- Middle phalanx fracture: 10-14 weeks
- Distal phalanx fracture: 3-4 weeks
Tuft fracture
Type of crush injury in the distal phalanx
-tips of your fingers crushed (slamming fingers in car door)
Stener’s Lesion
Avulsion injury of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb
-usually results from hyper-abduction of thumb
Rolando fracture
Comminuted fracture of the base of the 1st metacarpal
-Will require thumb-spica splint; needs treatmed correctly or arthritis will develop
Bennet’s fracture
Fracture at base of 1st metacarpal that is NOT comminuted
-MOST COMMON thumb fracture
Volar vs Dorsal PIP dislocation splinting
- Dorsal dislocation: block 30 degrees of extension while allowing for full flexion (dorsal blocking or ring splint, buddy taping)
- Volar dislocation: splint in extension (finger gutter splint)
