Process
finger-like projection that sticks out from the main part of the bone
Fossa
shallow depression on a bone, a scooped out area
Condyle
large round protuberance at the end of a bone that helps form a joint
Epicondyle
epiphyseal ends of the long bones, above the condyle
Head
rounded proximal end of the bone
Trochanter
large bump
Line
less prominent ridge on a bone, often posterior
Tubercle
small bump
Tuberosity
medium-size bump
Foramen
hole through the bone, or just into the center of the bone
Crest
prominent ridge on a bone, often anterior
Kyphosis
occurs when the thoracic curvature is exaggerated
spine is rounded too far backward
does not always require treatment, but if necessary, braces and/or surgery are options
Lordosis
occurs when the lumbar curvature is exaggerated
also called swayback
varying levels of severity exist
Scoliosis
occurs when the spine curves sideways/laterally
creates an s or c shape
3/100 people have some degree of scoliosis
more common and severe in females
braces and/or surgery may be required
Causes of bone fractures
trauma = force exceeds bone strength
eg. twisting, compression, non-vertical
disease = bone weakened and more susceptible
eg. osteopenia and osteoporosis
Diagnosis of fractures
may cause swelling, bruising, pain
affected limb may look deformed, or have bones poking through the skin
to confirm diagnoses, x-rays are taken
X-rays
diagnostic test where radiation passes through the bones producing an image on film
ordered to detect diseases or injuries
fractures, dislocations, tumours, osteoporosis, abnormal spinal curve, foreign objects, osteoarthritis
performed by technician, interpreted by a radiologist
risk of harm is very low
Treatment of fractures
in the case of a stress fracture, a splint or sling can be used to immobilize the injured area
simple fractures = bones are set and immobilized with a cast made of plaster or fiberglass, around 6-8 weeks
serious fractures = metal pins, plates and screws, as well as traction devices
How bones heal
blood clot forms beneath broken ends (hematoma)
blood absorbs minerals from broken ends
broken ends become rubbery (organic protein)
network of connective tissues forms a cartilage bridge called callus, takes around 2 weeks
minerals laid down in protein frame, ossification occurs
Fracture classifications
compound =
bone pierces skin
shattered bones
risk of infection
usually more soft tissue damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons
simple = bone does not pierce skin
complete = bone breaks into 2 or more pieces
incomplete = bone does not break completely
Stress fractures
hairline cracks along stress lines, difficult to detect
causes = repetitive activity, muscle imbalance, compression
Comminuted
bone shatters into many pieces
Greenstick
partial fracture
bone bends and one side splinters
common in children
Avulsion
small piece of bone detaches with muscle tendon
eg. tibial tuberosity, lateral malleolus, ischial tuberosity
Epiphyseal
separation of epiphysis at growth plate
most common in 12-14 year old boys playing contact sports
soame injury would result in ligament damage in adults
Other types
compacted/impacted fissured/linear oblique segmental spiral transverse