Fracture Classification Flashcards

Distal Radius Fractures

• Types include Colles fracture, Smith's fracture (reverse Colles), and fractures occurring from a fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH).

Colles Fracture

• Characterized by the arm being out in front and the hand flexed back, commonly resulting from FOOSH incidents.

Smith Fracture

• Involves the arm in front with the hand flexed down or the arm located behind the body, often described as a reverse Colles fracture.

AO/OTA Fracture Classification

• Classification starts with the affected bone:
  • Humerus (1)
  • Radius/ulna (2)
  • Femur/patella (3)
  • Tibia/fibula (4)
• Further classification includes the location on the bone:
  • Proximal
  • Midshaft
  • Distal

Fracture Morphology Indicators

• Proximal segment morphology:
  • A: Extra articular
  • B: Partial articular
  • C: Complete/Full articular
• Diaphyseal segment morphology:
  • A: Simple fracture
  • B: Wedge
  • C: Complex
• Distal segment morphology mirrors proximal segment indicators.

Severity Indicator

• The last number in the AO/OTA classification represents fracture severity, ranging from 1 to 3.

Trauma ABCs

• Critical assessments in trauma include:
  • Airway
  • Breathing
  • Circulation
  • Disability
  • Exposure

Immediate Management Situations

• Urgent intervention required in cases of:
  • Vascular compromise
  • Neural compromise

Diagnostic Imaging

• Initial diagnostic imaging option is X-ray.
• MRI is utilized to assess both bone and soft tissue damage.
• Standard X-ray views for fractures are Anteroposterior (AP) and Mediolateral (ML).
• CT scans help in constructing a 3D image to uncover hidden fracture lines.

Compartment Syndrome

• A serious condition characterized by increased pressure within a muscle compartment, risking muscle and nerve destruction, necessitating pressure release via fasciotomy.

Fracture Types

• A fracture caused by torquing the bone is referred to as a spiral fracture.
• A butterfly fragment is also known as a wedge fracture.
• A multifragmentary fracture is termed as comminuted.

X-ray in Fracture Diagnosis

• X-ray is a primary imaging modality for diagnosing fractures.

Understanding Compartment Syndrome

• Defined as a rise in pressure in a muscle section, potentially impairing blood flow and causing damage to muscles and nerves that requires timely intervention.