Trauma Flashcards
Common sights of blood loss (internal) 4
Chest
Abdomen
Pelvis
Long bones
What is the biggest risk in open fractures?
Bone infection leading to osteomyelitis
What should be done to an open fracture wound first?
Photographed then irrigated
What should an open fracture wound be dressed with?
Saline soaked swabs
What prophylaxis should be given in an open fracture wound ?
AB and tetanus
What is performed in theatre on an open fracture wound?
Aggressive debridement
How is an open fracture stabalised?
External / internal fixation
Fracture defined as…
loss of continuity of the cortex of the bone
Simple fracture =
bone fractured in two pieces
Comminuted fracture =
a bone in 3 or more pieces
Segmental fracture =
a fracture at 2 levels of the same bone
undisplaced fracture =
fractured bone with it’s anatomy entirely unchanged
dispalced fracture =
components of the bone are no longer in their original anatomical position
4 causes of pathological fracture
Tumours
Metabolic bone disease
Infection
RA
Two planes for orthopaedic x-rays
AP and lateral
CT used for
complex fractures and to plan surgery
Compartment syndrome =
excessive pressure in a closed fasical muscle compartment
Early signs of compartment syndrome (2)
patient complains of excessive pain
increased pain on passive stretching of the muscles in that compartment
Late signs of compartment syndrome (2)
paraesthesia
pulselessness
What happens to muscles in compartment syndrome
necrosis
If compartment syndrome is suspected, treat with?
emergency fasciotomy
3 types of fracture treatment
Reduce
Hold - operative / non operative
Rehab
tendon in the shoulder most commonly calcifies?
supraspinatus
frozen shoulder , which movement usually most reduced
external rotation
