Flashcards in External coaptation of fractures - SA and LA Deck (62)
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1
Roles of external coaptation
- temporary support or first aid
- secondary support after sx
- primary support and stabilisation for selected fractures
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What are the fracture forces? 4
- bending
- rotation
- compression/ shear
- distraction
3
List 6 different fracture configurations
- transverse
- oblique
- comminuted
- spiral
- avulsion
- compression
4
What to consider when deciding external coaptation
- consider forces acting on fracture
5
How are bending and rotational forces neutralised?
- by cast
- as long as the joints above and below the fx are immobilised
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How can compression/ shear be neutralised??
difficult to neutralise with a cast
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T/F: distraction forces are caused by mm tension and are poorly neutralised by external coaptation
True (e.g. olecranon fractures)
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When - external coaptation
- best for closed, minimally displaced stable fx
- pair of bones (e.g. tibia/fibula)
- young animal with high healing potential
- 50% contact rule (i.e. bone fragments should be in contact at least 50%)
9
List steps of external coaptation
- when
- reduction
- alignment
- standing position
- joint above and below
10
Outline reduction in process of external coaptation
- heavy sedation or GA
- repeat rads to ensure apposition remains for healing
- adequate reduction varies b/w patients (juveniles tolerate greater displacement without developing delayed or non-union)
- 50% contact rule
11
Describe alignment in process of external coaptation
- perfect reduction often not achieved
- proper joint alignment MUST be achieved
- failure to align major bone fragments to joints of limbs --> rotational or angular malunion
- cause functional gait abnormality, painful lameness from secondary OA
12
How should external coaptation be applied?
- applied to maintain the limb in a normal standing positiion
- allows animal to 'bear weight' when splint is in place and after removal
13
What are the guidelines for the joint above/below in external coaptation?
- both must be immobilised
- most conventional splints and casts cannot be used above stifle/elbow
- spica splints can be constructed to immobilise the hip or shoulder
- most are severely displaced
14
How often is external coaptation used?
- infrequent in SA (difficult to manage, severe complications possible, often there is a better way to tx the patient)
- it is only occasionally used to manage fx
- fairly commonly used for support after sx, especially after arthrodesis
15
List 8 types of external coaptatin
- Robert Jones bandage
- Modified RJ bandage (less cotton padding used)
- reinforced RJ bandage
- splinted
- bivalved cast (allows frequent changes without)
- spica splint (shoulder, hip)
- Schroeder-Thomas
- Walking bar (aluminium bar at end of cast)
16
List components of the external coaptation dressing
- primary layer
- secondary layer
- tertiary layer
- +/- stirrups
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Function - primary layer - example
- to cover and protect skin
- absorb discharge
- variety: e.g. melolin
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Function - secondary layer - example
- absorption
- provides support
- provides pressure
- keeps primary layer in one place
- EXAMPLE:
* roll cotton (don't allow direct contact with wounds)
* cast padding (less bulky, conforms better)
- conforming gauze is wrapped over this 'padding layer' to provide stability and occasionally compression
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Use - casting tape
- applied over a light secondary layer
- fine balance: too little padding may --> cast rubs/sores, too much padding will allow movement of bone fragments and delay healing
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Function - tertiary layer - examples
FUNCTION
- holds inner layers together
- fixes inner layers to bandaged part
- barrier against physical abrasion
- barrier against environmental contaminants
EXAMPLE
- several types but elastic conforming bandage most common; allows application of consistent pressure to outer layer
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When do you need to change a bandage?
when tertiary layer is wet as won't keep the water out
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Advantages - external coaptation - 2
- relatively cheap (if no complications)
- avoids sx
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Disadvantages - external coaptation
- only appropriate for stable, minimally displaced fx
- may result in bone/ limb malalingment
- serious complications possible
- complications are more expensive/ difficult to tx than original fx
- difficult to manage (casts slip, get wet, animals remove them)
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Complications - external coaptation
- distal soft tissue swelling
- distal limb oedema
- skin rubs
- skin ulceration
- skin necrosis
- soft tissue necrosis
- slippage of cast
- with severe complications, amputation often only option
25
How to minimise risk of complications of external coaptation
- use coaptation only if necessary
- plenty of padding (esp over bony prominences)
- change dressing frequently
- change or remove dressing if any concerns
- educate owner to monitor dressing (smell)
- avoid dressing if good alternative
26
Is a transverse fx suitable for casting?
Yes - it is stable to compression
27
How long will fx in young animal take to heal?
3-4 wks (check with repeat rads.)
28
How long do you leave a cast on a fracture?
until the bone has healed
29
How are fractures that extend into a joint classified?
Salter-Harris classification
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