Full Chapter Flashcards
(190 cards)
What is a risk factor for the development of compartment syndrome after a supracondylar fracture?
Excessive swelling combined with delay in treatment.
What is one initial step in managing a suspected evolving compartment syndrome?
Removing all circumferential dressings.
According to Battaglia et al., what is the relationship between elbow flexion and volar compartment pressure?
Increasing elbow flexion above 90 degrees increases volar compartment pressure.
What is recommended for immediate stabilization in cases of suspected compartment syndrome after a fracture?
Stabilization with Kirschner wires to allow proper management of soft tissues.
How does warm ischemic time after injury contribute to the development of compartment syndrome?
Muscle ischemia is possible, depending on the time of oxygen deprivation.
When should prophylactic volar compartment fasciotomy be considered?
It can be considered at the time of arterial reconstruction.
What was found to be of some value even when the diagnosis of compartment syndrome is delayed or chronic?
Fasciotomy.
What suggests critical ischemia in a child with a ‘pink pulseless hand’ following fracture reduction?
Persistent and increasing pain.
What is the most common nerve injury in extension-type supracondylar fractures?
AIN (5%).
What nerve injuries were reported in the largest single-center study of type III supracondylar fractures?
12% nerve injuries at presentation, with a rate of 19% if associated forearm fracture required reduction.
What does a prospective study on nerve injuries in operatively treated supracondylar fractures suggest?
A trend between fracture severity and rate of preoperative nerve injury.
What was seen in the same study regarding the relationship between fracture severity and nerve injury rate?
Type II 7%, type III 19%, type IV 36%.
What potential nerve entrapment issue may occur during reduction of supracondylar fractures?
Median nerve and/or brachial artery may be trapped within the fracture site.
What technique is used to forcibly milk the biceps during the reduction of fractures?
“Milking maneuver” is used to force biceps past the proximal fragment.
How many pins are generally recommended for type II and type III fractures?
A minimum of two pins for type II fractures and three pins for type III fractures.
What is more critical in pin placement for fractures, pin separation, or pin orientation?
Pin separation is more important than whether the pins are divergent or parallel.
What should be ensured to correctly place a pin for fracture fixation?
Ensure the pin goes through the proximal cortex and engages the proximal fragment.
What should be done to verify the correct placement of K-wires before advancing with drilling?
Push K-wires into the cartilage in desired location and trajectory, verify with imaging.
What is the recommended elbow position during fixation to improve stabilization?
The elbow should be sufficiently flexed so that the fingers touch the shoulder.
What is the alternative approach if maintaining fracture reduction becomes difficult during imaging?
Move the C-arm instead of the patient’s arm during imaging.
In what instance would a medial pin be considered in fracture stabilization?
If three lateral pins do not stabilize the fracture, or there is an oblique fracture pattern.
What precaution should be taken when placing a medial pin to avoid nerve damage?
Extend the elbow when placing the pin to keep the ulnar nerve posteriorly out of harm’s way.
Why is it recommended to save images where reduction looks the worst postoperatively?
To compare during visits and determine if any movement or malreduction occurred.
What are the considerations for treating SCH fractures nonsurgically?
Likelihood of follow-up with an orthopedic surgeon for timely rereduction.