MSK key points Flashcards
What classifcation system is used to grade open fractures?
Gustilo
What is an open fracture?
fracture with direct communication to the external environment
What are the features of a type I open fracture
simple fracture
wound <1cm
What are the features of a type II open fracture
simple fracture 1-10cm
What features automatically make an open fracture grade III
farmyard contamination neurovascular compromise periosteal stripping comminuted fracture >10cms
What are the features of a type IIIa open fracture
comminuted fracture
high energy mechanism
covered from existing tissue on repair
What are the features of a type IIIb open fracture
comminuted
needs plastic surgery
periosteal stripping
What are the features of a type IIIc open fracture
neurovascular compromise
comminuted
What is the immediate management of an open fracture
cannulate - bloods, analgesia, antiemetics, fluids assess neurovascular status!!! remove obvious contamination take photos cover with saline dressing realign and splint recheck neurovascular status!!! tetanus status x ray NBM call orthopaedic reg, anaesthetist and plastic surgeon drug chart - antibiotics, analgesia, fluids, antiemetics, thromboprophylaxis surgery within 24hrs
What are the indications for immediate surgery in an open fracture
neurovascular compromise
farmyard contamination
compartment syndrome
What does a higher grade of open fracture increase the risk of
infection
amputation
longer healing time
Why does periosteal stripping often result in non-union
the bone relies on the periosteum to provide a blood supply for healing
How can the risk of infection be decreased in an open fracture
antibiotics!
surgical debridement
What is septic arthritis?
acute infection of a joint capsule
What can cause septic arthritis
bacteraemia
direct inocculation
contiguous spread from adjacent osteomyelitis
What are the risk factors for septic arthritis
>80y diabetes HIV immunosupression recent joint surgery IVDU history of crystal arthropathies
Which joints are commonly affected by septic arthritis
knee hip shoulder elbow ankle
Which joint is commonly affected in IVDUs with septic arthritis
sternoclavicular
Which organisms are commonly present in septic arthritis
Staphylococcus aureus
Stahpylococcus epidermis
Neisseria gonorrheae
What are the signs and symptoms of septic arthritis
pain effusion erythema tenderness warmth inability to weight bear inability to complete full range of passive movements
Describe the pathophysiology of septic arthritis and what makes it an emergency
acute irreversible destruction of the cartilage at joints by proteolytic enzymes from inflammatory cells
can be within 8 hours
What are the differential diagnoses in septic arthritis
gout
pseudogout
cellulitis
What investigations need to be done in suspected septic arthritis
FBC, CRP, ESR
blood cultures
xray joint
joint aspiration
What are the findings on xray in septic arthritis
joint space widening
periarticular osteopenia