Trauma & Orthopaedic Injuries Flashcards
Upper limb fractures Lower limb fractures Upper limb soft tissue injury Lower limb soft tissue injury Spinal fracture Compartment syndrome (18 cards)
What is a Colle’s fracture
transverse fracture of the distal radius causing the distal portion to displace distally (upwards)
What type of injury typically causes a Colle’s’ fracture?
A fall onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH).
What deformity is associated with a Colle’s’ fracture?
dinner fork type deformity
What are the three classical features of a Colle’s’ fracture?
- Transverse fracture of the radius
- 1 inch proximal to the radiocarpal joint
- Dorsal displacement and angulation
Name three early complications of a Colles’ fracture.
- median nerve injury: acute carpal tunnel syndrome
- compartment syndrome
- vascular compromise
How can acute carpal tunnel syndrome present in a Colle’s’ fracture?
Weakness or loss of thumb/index finger flexion due to median nerve injury.
Name two late complications of a Colle’s’ fracture.
- Osteoarthritis
- Complex regional pain syndrome
What mechanism of injury typically causes a scaphoid fracture?
Fall onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH) with wrist hyperextended and radially deviated
What are common non-fall causes of a scaphoid fracture?
Contact sports (e.g., football, rugby) and road traffic accidents
Why is prompt recognition of scaphoid fracture clinically important?
Because of the scaphoid’s retrograde blood supply, risking avascular necrosis, especially in proximal fractures
What artery primarily supplies the scaphoid bone?
Dorsal carpal branch of the radial artery
What are typical symptoms of a scaphoid fracture?
- Pain at the radial aspect of the wrist and base of the thumb
- reduced grip/pinch strength.
What 3 examination findings together have high diagnostic probability for a scaphoid fracture?
- anatomical snuffbox tenderness
- Pain on telescoping of the thumb (longitudinal compression)
- Scaphoid tubercle tenderness
Which imaging modality is most accurate for diagnosing scaphoid fractures?
MRI
What is the initial management for a suspected or confirmed scaphoid fracture?
Immobilisation with a splint or backslab, ortho referral, and follow-up imaging in 7–10 days if needed
How are undisplaced scaphoid waist fractures treated?
Cast immobilisation for 6–8 weeks (union >95%).
How are displaced or proximal scaphoid fractures managed?
Surgical fixation
What are two major complications of a scaphoid fracture?
- non-union → pain and early osteoarthritis
- avascular necrosis
