U6 O1 - Orthopaedic and Soft Tissue Injuries Flashcards
Emergency surgical procedures
Define the term angioedema?
Rapid, oedematous swelling of the dermis, hypodermis, mucosa and submucosa. Similar to urticaria but extends deeper into dermis and subcutaneous area.
Define the term Bullous lesions/bullae?
Intact skin blisters often associated with an immune mediated condition (> 0.5 cm diameter).
Define the term comminuted fracture?
Fracture that has multiple fragments.
Define the term complicated wound/fracture?
Damage to other organs has occurred as well as a
wound/fracture e.g. vertebral fracture with spinal cord
damage
Define the term cellulitis?
Inflammation of connective tissue- may be localised or
diffuse. Septic cellulitis is a very serious, acute bacterial
disease where lesions disseminate along soft tissues
Define the term Ecchymosis ?
Purple, non-elevated area of skin associated with
haemorrhage - ‘bruise’
Define the term erosion / ulcer ?
Open area associated with tissue loss in skin or mucous membrane
Define the term erythema?
Reddening of the skin associated with inflammation.
Define the term Eschar?
A slough or piece of dead tissue such as may develop
over the site of a burn.
Define the term panniculitis?
Deep inflammation that involves the fat underlying the
skin.
Define the term papule?
A solid (not fluid) raised lesion up to ½ cm diameter
Define the term pemphigus?
Group of immune - mediated conditions e.g. Pemphigus foliaceous. The immune system reacts against the molecules that hold epithelial cells together.
Define the term pustule?
A raised lesion containing pus
Define the term urticaria?
Multiple, fluid-filled plaque-like eruptions formed by
localised oedema in the upper dermis that often develop and disappear suddenly. Immunological and nonimmunological causes- type 1 hypersensitivity reaction e.g. bee sting, exposure to pollen or chemicals
Define the term vesicle?
A raised lesion containing fluid other than pus- smaller than bullae (< 0.5 cm). Can be associated with viral or
immune-mediated conditions
What is the golden period in wound management?
There is a ‘golden period’ six hour period for wound
management, beyond which wounds are considered to be infected. As infection is the most common cause of poor wound healing, all attempts should be
made to minimise this.
What advice should be given to an owner to start effective wound management on their pet and why should this advice be given?
Effective wound management starts at the first point of contact with the owner -the importance of prompt attendance should be emphasised. If a wound is known to be present, the owner should be advised to cover it (and what with) to limit further contamination (Coe, 2012). There is a ‘golden period’ six hour period for wound management, beyond which wounds are considered to be infected (Coe, 2012). As infection is the most common cause of poor wound healing, all attempts should be made to minimise this
What initial first aid advice should be given to owners that call because of an electrical burn and why?
The initial first aid management of burns/scalds is very important. If there is an electrical burn, the owner must be advised to first disconnect the patient from the electrical source. Burns or scalds should be cooled, with tepid, running water, for a period of time (at least five minutes) to limit further tissue damage before the patient is transported. In each case the affected area should be covered for transport to decrease the chances of infection and to limit fluid loss. It is
important that the owner is advised that the burn is covered with non-adherent material (guidance should be provided as to what is and what is NOT appropriate)
and cooling continued as the patient is transported, if possible.
What initial first aid advice should be given to owners that call because of a chemical burn and why?
Burns or scalds should be cooled, with tepid, running water, for a period of time (at least five minutes) to limit further tissue damage before the patient is transported; chemical burns should also be flushed with cool water to dilute/remove chemicals prior to transport. In each case the affected area should be covered for transport to decrease the chances of infection and to limit fluid loss. It is important that the owner is advised that the burn is covered with non-adherent material (guidance should be provided as to what is and what is NOT appropriate) and cooling continued as the patient is transported, if possible.
What should be carried out by the VN prior to thorough wound assessment?
A full, thorough assessment of most wounds involves examination under anaesthetic. As with all other emergency presentations, this may not be possible,
until life-threatening conditions (e.g. pneumothorax) are first stabilised. The dramatic appearance of many wounds (e.g. open fracture, degloving wound) should not cause the VN to divert from the standard patient assessment and triage- it is very important
that life-threatening, but less obvious conditions, are not over-looked. An initial assessment of the cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological systems should be performed before considering the wound. Initial, emergency management of the wound can be performed at this stage- with the full wound assessment, evaluation and planning delayed until the patient is stable.
What is emergency management of wounds generally aimed at doing?
Emergency management of wounds is generally aimed at controlling haemorrhage, preventing further contamination and providing analgesia. A sterile
dressing should be placed over the wound as soon as is feasible
Why is the initial management of wounds very important?
The initial management of wounds is very important as this can influence how well the wound ultimately heals.
‘….there is an important “window of opportunity” shortly after injury where diligent and thorough treatment can prevent progression from contamination to infection and the associated complication and delay of wound healing.’
What does a thorough examination of a wound usually require?
Once the patient is stable, the wound should be thoroughly assessed and examined.
Thorough examination of the wound will, generally, require deep sedation or general
anaesthesia.
What should be considered when determining the healing process of a wound?
The following points should be noted as these will all influence healing
1. Position and area affected (e.g. head, limb, surface area involved)
2. Tissues involved (e.g. mucosa, skin, eyes)
3. Degree of damage – superficial, deep, complicated (involving other structures
e.g. muscle, bone, nerves, body cavities etc.)
4. Wound type e.g. laceration, avulsion, puncture
5. Presence of devitalised and necrotic tissue
6. Presence of foreign bodies
7. Presence of potential or actual complications e.g. compartment syndrome.
Compartment syndrome is due to increased pressure in a compartment e.g. limb. It is usually associated with swelling in a limb between the fascial planes
which is then constrained by fibrous tissues. This pressure compresses blood vessels which results in reduced or absent tissue perfusion.
It is very important at this stage to identify anything that could potentially delay or
prevent healing.