Fracture management and ATLS Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is a comminuted fracture?
Fracture with more than 2 fragments
What is used to classify open fractures?
Gustilo-Andersen system
What is the management of open fractures?
Should be debrided and lavaged within 6 hours of injury
Require IV broad spectrum antibiotics and tetanus prophylaxis (e.g. tetanus toxoid booster)
Give 2 investigations that can be done to check neurovascular status after a fracture
ABPI
CT angiogram
Give 2 options for analgesia that can be used for reducing a fracture
Regional blockade
Conscious sedation
Give 2 options for retaining a fracture
Simple splint
Fracture cast
What can be used to prevent cervical spine injury in ATLS?
Hard collar, blocks and straps
What manoeuvre should be done to protect the airway during ATLS?
Jaw thrust
What does ATLS FC stand for?
Airway obstruction Tension pneumothorax Large haemothorax Sucking chest wound Flail chest Cardiac tamponade/aortic dissection
What are the 5 areas where you should look for blood in ATLS?
Abdomen Chest Pelvis Long bones Floor
What blood pressure is the goal in ATLS and why?
80-90mmHg
Avoid disturbing clots
What do binders do in ATLS?
Stop significant bleeding
Below which GCS should you intubate in ATLS?
<8
What manoeuvre can be used to examine the back and spine in ATLS?
Log roll
Give 2 things that can be used to warm patients in ATLS?
Bair hugger
Fluid warmer
After initial ABCDE in ATLS, what is the next step for unstable patients?
Straight to theatre
After initial ABCDE in ATLS, what is the next step for stable patients?
Trauma CT
What does AMPLE stand for in ATLS?
Allergies Medications Past medical history/pregnancy Last meal Event surrounding injury/environment
Give 2 presenting features of compartment syndrome
Pain out of proportion
Intense pain on movement or palpation of muscles
Give 2 investigations that may be useful in suspected compartment syndrome
Creatine kinase
Intracompartmental pressure measurement
