Medical-Surgical Management of Fractures

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for performing fracture reduction as soon as possible?

To prevent loss of elasticity through infiltration by edema and hemorrhage (correct)

To reduce pain

To promote bone healing

To allow for early mobilization

What is the purpose of internal fixation devices in Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF)?

To reduce pain

To ensure firm approximation and fixation of bony fragments (correct)

To promote bone healing

To enhance mobility

What should be checked in patients with Open Reduction Internal Fixation?

Vital signs

Pain levels

Dressings for bleeding and infection (correct)

Mobility

What is the purpose of taking X-rays after reduction?

To confirm correct alignment of bone fragments Signup and view all the answers

What type of internal fixation device is used for a segmental fracture?

Medullary nail Signup and view all the answers

What should be emptied in post-reduction care?

Hemovac drain Signup and view all the answers

What is a joint subluxation?

A partial dislocation of the joint Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of medical management in joint dislocation?

To stabilize the joint and prevent further injury Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of gentle, progressive, active and passive movements in post-reduction care?

To preserve ROM and restore strength Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a fracture?

A complete or incomplete disruption in the continuity of bone structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in medical management at the scene of a joint dislocation?

Immoblize the affected joint Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal when managing an open fracture?

Covering the wound with a sterile dressing to prevent contamination Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of reduction in fracture management?

To restore the fractured bone to its anatomic alignment and positioning Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of immobilization after fracture reduction?

To maintain the reduced position of the fracture and promote healing Signup and view all the answers

What is a common diagnostic tool used to confirm the presence of a fracture?

X-ray Signup and view all the answers

What should be done upon arriving at the emergency department with a patient who has a fracture?

Gently remove clothing from the uninjured side first Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of internal fixation devices in fracture management?

To promote bone growth and healing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fractures and Dislocations

Fractures are complete or incomplete disruptions in the continuity of bone structure, occurring when the bone is subjected to stress greater than it can absorb.
Causes of fractures: direct blows, crushing forces, sudden twisting motions, and extreme muscle contractions.

Types of Fractures

' Closed Fractures (simple fractures): do not cause a break in skin.
Open Fractures (compound/complex fractures): skin or mucous membrane wound extends to the fractured bone.

Specific Types of Fractures

Transverse fractures
Short oblique fractures
Long oblique fractures
Spiral fractures
Segmental fractures

Clinical Manifestations of Fractures

Pain: continuous and increases in severity until fragments are immobilized.
Loss of function: fractured extremity cannot function properly.
Deformity: detectable when compared to non-injured extremity.
Shortening: commonly seen in long bone fractures.
Crepitus: crumbling sensation/sound produced by a fractured extremity upon gentle palpation.
Localized edema and ecchymosis: occurs as a result of trauma and bleeding into the tissues.

Diagnosis of Fractures

X-ray: confirms the presence of a fracture.

Emergency Management of Fractures

Immobilize injured extremity before moving patient.
Splinting the injured part.
If open fracture: cover wound with sterile dressing to prevent contamination of deeper tissues.
Apply splint for immobilization.

Medical-Surgical Management of Fractures

Reduction: restoration of the fracture fragments to anatomic alignment and positioning.
Immobilization: holding the bone fragments in position until solid bone healing occurs.
Maintaining and restoring function: through exercises and rehabilitation.

Joint Dislocation

Subluxation: a partial dislocation that does not cause as much deformity as a complete dislocation.
Clinical manifestations: acute pain, change in or awkward positioning of joint, and decreased ROM.
Medical management: immobilize affected joint, closed reduction, and gentle, progressive exercises to preserve ROM and restore strength.

Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF)

Through a surgical approach, the fracture fragments are anatomically aligned.
Internal fixation devices (metallic pins, wires, screws, plates, nails, or rods) are used to hold the bone fragments in position until solid bone healing occurs.

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Description

This quiz covers the medical-surgical management of fractures, including closed reduction and stabilization techniques. It discusses the importance of prompt intervention to prevent complications and promote healing.