Chapter 32- Orthopaedic Injuries

Question 1

nondisplaced fracture

Answer 1

a hairline fracture, a simple crack of the bone

Question 2

comminuted fracture

Answer 2

A fracture in which the bone is broken into more than two fragments.

Question 3

epiphyseal fracture

Answer 3

A fracture that occurs in a growth section of a child’s bone and may lead to growth abnormalities

Question 4

greenstick fracture

Answer 4

An incomplete fracture that passes only partway through the shaft of a bone but may still cause substantial angulation; occurs in children.

Question 5

incomplete fracture

Answer 5

A fracture that does not run completely through the bone; a nondisplaced partial crack

Question 6

oblique fracture

Answer 6

A fracture in which the bone is broken at an angle across the bone. This is usually the result of a sharp, angled blow to the bone.

Question 7

pathologic fracture

Answer 7

A fracture of weakened or diseased bone, seen in patients with osteoporosis, infection, or cancer; often produced by minimal force

Question 8

spiral fracture

Answer 8

A fracture caused by a twisting or spinning force, causing a long, spiral-shaped break in the bone. This is sometimes the result of abuse in young children

Question 9

transverse fracture

Answer 9

A fracture that occurs straight across the bone. This is usually the result of a direct blow injury.

Question 10

crepitus

Answer 10

a grating or grinding sensation when fractured bone ends rub together

Question 11

signs of a dislocation

Answer 11

Marked deformity
Swelling
Pain that is aggravated by any attempt at movement
Tenderness on palpation
Virtually complete loss of normal joint motion (locked joint)
Numbness or impaired circulation to the limb or digit

Question 12

sprain

Answer 12

when a joint is twisted or stretched beyond normal range of motion

Question 13

signs of a sprain

Answer 13

The patient is unwilling to use the limb (guarding).
Swelling and ecchymosis are present at the injured joint as a result of torn blood vessels.
Pain prevents the patient from moving or using the limb normally.
Instability of the joint is indicated by increased motion, especially at the knee; however, this may be masked by severe swelling and guarding

Question 14

signs of a strain

Answer 14

A “snap” when a muscle tears
Increased sharp pain with passive movement of the injured extremity
Severe weakness of the muscle
Extreme point tenderness

Question 15

compartment syndrome

Answer 15

a limb-threatening condition characterized by localized tissue swelling within a compartment

Question 16

signs of compartment syndrome

Answer 16

Pain that is out of proportion to the injury
Pain on passive stretch of muscles within the compartment
Pallor (pale skin)
Decreased sensation
Decreased power (ranging from decreased strength and movement of the limb to complete paralysis)