trauma and ortho Flashcards
(342 cards)
What is Monteggia’s fracture?
fracture of proximal third of ulna
+
anterior dislocation of head of radius at the elbow

What is Galeazzi’s fracture?
fracture of the distal third of the radius +
subluxation (partial dislocation) of the head of the ulna at the wrist joint

What is colles fracture?
fracture, and dorsal displacement, of the distal end of the radius.

which types of bones undergo intramembranous ossification?
(direct ossification of mesenchymal bone models formed during embryonic development)
skull bones, mandible, clavicle
which types of bones undergo endochondral ossification?
mesenchyme -> cartilage -> which then ossifies into bone
most bones
e..g appendicular skeleton
what occurs during a reactive phase of fracture healing?
(injury- 48hrs)
- bleeding into # site -> haematoma
- inflammation -> cytokine, GF, vasoactive mediator release -> recruitment of leukos and fibroblasts -> granulation tissue

what occurs during the reparative phase of fracture healing?
(2 days - 2wks)
- proliferation of osteoblasts and fibroblasts -> cartilage and woven bone production: callus formation
- consolidation (endochondral ossification) of woven bone -> lamellar bone

what occurs during remodelling phase of fracture healing?
(1 wk - 7 years)
- Remodelling of lamellar bone to cope with mechanical forces applied to it.

what is the average healing time of a fracture?
around 3 weeks
for closed, paediatric, metaphyseal, upper limb #s
what are some complicating factors that could lengthen the time of fracture healing?
adult
lower limb
open fracture
diaphyseal
*doubles healing time
ortho radiographs of a fracture
- what to request for?
AP and lateral views
Images of joint above and joint below #
how to describe a fracture?
- Patient details, date radiograph taken, orientation, content of image
PAID
- Pattern
e. g. transverse, oblique, spiral, multifragmentary (comminuted), avulsion, crush, greenstick - Anatomical location
- Intra/ extra articular
Dislocation/ subluxation
- Deformity
e. g. impaction, rotation, angulation, translation - soft tissues
- ? specific type of #
e. g. colles, smiths, galeazzis, monteggia
what are the 4 Rs of fracture management?
Resuscitation
Reduction
Restriction
Rehabilitation
how would you resuscitate a patient w a fracture?
- Follow Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) guidelines
- Primary survey: C-spine, chest and pelvis
- # usually assessed in secondary survey
- assess neurovascular status and look for dislocations
- consider reduction and splinting before imaging
to decrease pain/ bleeding/ risk of neurovasc injury
Xray once stable.
What are the 6As that guide the management of open fractures?
open fractures require urgent attention
Analgesia: morphine
Assess: neurovascular status, soft tissues, photograph
Antisepsis: wound swab, copious irrigation, cover with betadine-soaked dressing
Alignment: align # and splint
Anti-tetanus: check status (booster lasts 10 yrs)
Abx:
e.g. Fluclox + Benpen or Augmentin
Mx: debridement and fixation in theatre
what is the Gustillo classification of open #s?
- wound <1 cm in length
- wound ≥ 1cm w minimal soft tissue damage
- extensive soft tissue damage
what is the most dangerous complication of open #?
clostridium perfringens
leading to wound infections and gas gangrene
+/- shock and renal failure
tx of clostridium perfringens infection of open fracture?
debridement,
abx: benpen + clindamycin
principles of reduction in fracture mx?
displaced #s should be reduced
unless no impact on outcome e.g. ribs
- aim for anatomical reduction esp if articular surface involved
what does closed reduction of a fracture involve?
under local, regional or general anaesthetic
traction to disimpact
manipulation to align
what does traction of fracture involve?
not typically used now
used to overcome contraction of large muscles e.g. femoral #s
traction refers to the practice of slowly and gently pulling on a fractured or dislocated body part.
Skin traction rarely causes fracture reduction, but reduces pain and maintains the length of the bone
skeletal traction (pins in bones)
what is open reduction and internal fixation of a fracture?
balance accurate reduction vs risks of surgery (e.g. infection)
used for intra-articular #s, open #s, 2#s in 1 limb, failed conservative tx, bilateral identical #s
principles of restriction in fracture mx?
interfragmentary strain hypothesis dictates that tissue formed @ # site depends on strain it experiences
fixation -> ↓ strain -> bone formation
fixation also -> ↓ pain, ↑ stability, ↑ ability to function.
methods of restriction of fractured area?
non rigid: e.g. slings, elastic support
plaster cast: in first 24-48h use black slab or split case due to risk of compartment syndrome
functional bracing: joints free to move but bone shafts supported in cast segments
continuous traction e.g. collar and cuff
external fixation
internal fixation































































