Trauma And Orthopaedics Flashcards
(342 cards)
What are the 2 types of neck of femur fractures ?
Intra-capsular - subcapital region of the femoral head to basocervical region of the femoral neck, immediately proximal to the trochanters
Extra-capsular - outside the capsule
Why are displaced intracapsular neck of femur fractures a major concern ?
The blood supply to the neck of the femur is retrograde passing from distal to proximal along the femoral neck to the femoral head. Predominantly through the medial circumflex femoral artery which lies directly on the intracapsular femoral neck. Therefore this fracture can disrupt the blood supply to the femoral head and avascular necrosis can occur.
What are the clinical features of a NOF fracture?
Pain - felt in groin, thigh or referred to the knee
Inability to weight bear
Shortened and externally rotated
Pain when pin rolling the leg
What are some differentials of a NOF fracture ?
Pubic ramus fracture
Acetabular fracture
Femoral head fracture
Femoral diaphysis fracture
Dislocated hip
Hip bursitis
Osteomyelitis
What investigations should be performed when suspecting a NOF fracture ?
Plain film radio graphic imaging - AP and lateral views of the affected hip
AP pelvis
Full length femoral radiographs
FBC, U&E’s, coag screen
CK if there is a long lie
In older patients - urine dip, CXR for cause of fall
What are the ligaments of the hip ?
Iliofemoral
Ischiofemoral
Pubofemoral
What some causes of a NOF fracture ?
-High energy trauma
-Pathological fracture - tumour or infection ( diseased bone )
-Reduced bone mineral density - osteopenia and osteoporosis ( long term steroids, alcohol consumption or malnutrition )
-Stress fracture
What is the garden classification of fractures ?
Classification of fractures according to the degree of displacement as seen on an AP radiograph.
what are the stages of the garden classification of fractures ?
Stage 1 - incomplete fracture line or impacted fracture
Stage 2 - complete fracture, non-displaced
Stage 3 - complete fracture line, partial displacement
Stage 4 - complete fracture line, complete displacment
What is Pauwels classifications of fractures ?
Classification of fractures according to the angle of the fracture line from horizontal.
What are the types of fractures in the Pauwels classification ?
Type 1 - 0 - 30 degrees
Type 2 - 30-50 degrees
Type 3 - more than 50 degrees
What are some risk factors for a NOF fracture ?
Age over 65
Risk factor for osteoporosis - menopause, smoking
Previous fragility fracture
History of falls
Poor nutrition
Low BMI
Dementia
Visual impairment
What is seen on examination of the hip in a NOF fracture ?
Affected leg is shortened, externally rotated and abducted
Palpation of the hip produces pain
Unable to perform a straight leg raise
Pain on gentle internal and external rotation
Soft tissue injury - bruising or swelling
What is the initial management for a NOF fracture ?
Analgesia - paracetamol, opioids and iliofascial or femoral nerve block
IV access for fluids, blood transfusion and the administration of meds
Assess and manage complications to prevent delays in surgical management
How quickly should you have surgery after a NOF fracture and what are the benefits of this ?
36 hours after admission
Higher rates of independent living,
Lower rates of non-union,
Shorter hospital admission
Reduced pain scores
Lower rates of complications and reduced 30 day and 1 year mortality rates
What does early mobilisation help after a NOF fracture ?
Prevent post-operative complications - VTE, pressure ulcers, bronchopneumonia
What is the management of an intra-capsular NOF fracture in a younger or fit patients and explain them ?
Cannulated screws - a set of screws being driven into the femoral head across the fracture which stabilises the fracture.
A dynamic hip screw - dynamic plate screwed across the fracture line into the femoral head
What is the management of an intra-capsular NOF fracture in older patients and explain them?
A total or hemi hip arthroplasty is recommended. This involves the removal of the femoral head and insertion of a prosthetic replacement. The acetabulum can also be reinforced with a socket in the context of osteoarthritic disease.
What is the management of extra-capsular NOF fractures ?
Internal fixation is favourable with dynamic hip screw or trochanteric femoral intramedullary nailing with screws entering the femoral head.
What are some indications for non-operative management of a NOF fracture ?
Patients that are too unwell for surgery
Short life expectancy
Delayed presentation or diagnosis of fracture with signs of healing
Immobile patients
Patients who decline surgery
How is a NOF fracture managed non-operatively ?
Casts, splints and traction
Periodic x rays of the affected hip are necessary to guide management
What are the aims of post-operative management ?
Enhance recovery
Promote early mobilisation
Prevent future fractures
What should be included in post-operative management of NOF fracture ?
Analgesia
Rehabilitation
Falls risk assessment
Diabetic assessment
Early mobilisation
Antibiotic prophylaxis
VTE prophylaxis
What are the complications of non-operative management of a NOF fracture ?
Fracture displacement
Non-union or mal union
Avascular necrosis of femoral head
VTE
Pressure sores
Infection
Death