complication of fractures

Question 1

What are the life-threatening complications of fractures?

Answer 1

Massive haemorrhage (especially in femur and pelvic fractures)

Injuries to large vessels

Sequelae of immobility in hip fractures (e.g. pneumonia, thromboembolic disease)

Question 2

What are the acute complications of fractures?

Answer 2

Neurovascular injuries

Soft tissue injuries (degloving, open fractures)

Fracture blisters

Compartment syndrome

Question 3

What are the signs of compartment syndrome?

Answer 3

Pain out of proportion

Paresthesia

Pallor

Pulselessness

Paralysis
(Note: Pulselessness and paralysis are late signs)

Question 4

What are chronic/delayed complications of fractures?

Answer 4

1.Infections (osteomyelitis)

2.Delayed union, non-union, or malunion

3.Post-traumatic arthritis

4.Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Question 5

What are the complications of peri- and intra-articular fractures?

Answer 5

Avascular necrosis

• Post-traumatic arthritis
• Joint stiffness
• Heterotopic ossification

Question 6

what is heterotopic ossification ?

Answer 6

formation of bone tissue where bone does not normally form

Question 7

What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?

Answer 7

A chronic pain condition causing pain, swelling, and changes in skin temperature/color, often after injury or surgery.
2 types :
Type I: No nerve damage

Type II: Associated with nerve damage

Question 8

What is avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis)?

Answer 8

Death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply, often a complication of peri/intra-articular fractures.