Musculoskeletal Injuries Management

Questions and Answers

Which splint is appropriate for a tibia/fibula shaft fracture?

Kendrick Traction splint

Short leg box splint

Triangular sling

Long leg vacuum splint (correct)

What should be done if a traction splint delays transfer?

Use a long leg box splint

Perform immediate relocation of the patella

Wait for the splint to be applied

Apply manual traction (correct)

Which splint is NOT suitable for a femoral fracture?

Long leg box splint

Kendrick Traction splint

Vacuum splint

Self splintage (correct)

Which statement is true regarding patella dislocation?

The patella tends to relocate spontaneously when splinting. Signup and view all the answers

Which splint would be appropriate for a clavicle injury?

Triangular sling Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a closed fracture from an open fracture?

It occurs without skin puncture. Signup and view all the answers

What condition can lead to a pathological fracture in older individuals?

Minor trauma like a fall from standing height. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a dislocation?

An abnormal separation of joint surfaces. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about sprains?

They can involve partial or complete tears of ligaments. Signup and view all the answers

What should be assumed when a sprain is suspected in the pre-hospital setting?

A fracture may also be present. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a strain?

It is a stretch and/or tear of muscle fibers and/or tendon. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is least likely to contribute to pathological fractures?

High-impact sports activities. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of a dislocation?

Muscle spasm causing joint lock. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct method for transporting an amputated body part?

Place it in a moist field dressing and secure in a sealed plastic bag. Signup and view all the answers

What should NOT be done when managing a grossly contaminated wound?

Irrigate with saline to clean the area. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a sign or symptom typically associated with musculoskeletal injuries?

Nausea Signup and view all the answers

In the treatment of partial amputations, what should be done to the limb?

Immobilise the limb in a position of normal anatomical alignment. Signup and view all the answers

Which condition defines a fracture?

A break or breaks in bone caused by kinetic energy. Signup and view all the answers

When managing pain for a patient with serious injuries, what is recommended if further pain management is needed?

Request advanced pain management from a senior clinician. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception regarding the treatment of amputations?

Maintaining tissue temperature without freezing is important. Signup and view all the answers

What should the primary goal be when managing an injured limb after a partial amputation?

To prevent further contamination and promote stabilization. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary aspects assessed under the ABCDE method in managing musculoskeletal injuries?

Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT included in the six ‘P’s of ischaemia?

Pain relief Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of immobilising the joints above and below a fracture?

To prevent further injury and support the limb Signup and view all the answers

What initial step should be taken if time-critical features are identified in a musculoskeletal injury?

Refer to the Major Trauma Tool and transfer to a major trauma centre. Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is recommended for strains and sprains?

Cold compress and limb elevation Signup and view all the answers

What should be assessed using the MSC method in managing musculoskeletal injuries?

Motor, Sensory, Circulation Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential complication of splinting a limb injury?

Risk of fat embolism Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of compromised blood flow to a limb during assessment?

Cold to touch limb Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical volume of blood loss associated with mid shaft femoral fractures?

500-2000 mls Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a complication of musculoskeletal injuries?

Cardiac arrest Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of splinting in the management of musculoskeletal injuries?

To reduce pain and further blood loss during transport Signup and view all the answers

When dealing with musculoskeletal injuries, what critical aspect should not be overlooked?

Assessing for less visible but life-threatening problems Signup and view all the answers

In cases of pelvic fractures, what is the expected minimum blood loss?

1000 mls plus Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Airway and Breathing Considerations

Airway obstruction and compromised breathing require immediate attention, especially in cases of spinal injury.
Always remember the C A c B C’s approach in emergency care: Circulation, Airway, Breathing, and Consciousness.

Musculoskeletal Injuries Overview

Common types of musculoskeletal injuries include:
- Amputations and partial amputations
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Dislocations (joint separations)
- Strains (muscle/tendon injuries)
- Sprains (ligament injuries)

Management of Amputations

Proper handling of amputated parts is critical:
- Remove gross contamination and cover with a moist dressing.
- Place in a sealed plastic bag and set on ice without direct contact to prevent tissue damage.
Patient care involves:
- Immobilizing the limb in anatomical alignment.
- Using occlusive dressings to minimize contamination.
- Assessing for pain and providing management as needed.

Fractures

A fracture is defined as a break in a bone, often caused by high kinetic energy impact.
Signs of fractures include:
- Pain and swelling
- Erythema (redness)
- Visible deformity of the limb.

Types of Fractures

Closed Fracture: Also known as simple fractures, no puncture to the skin occurs.
Compound Fracture (Open): Characterized by bone piercing through the skin.
Pathological Fractures: May occur from minor trauma in older adults or individuals with underlying diseases like osteoporosis.

Dislocations

Defined as the abnormal separation of joint surfaces, potentially accompanied by fractures.
Muscle spasms may cause the joint to lock in place.

Sprains and Strains

Sprains: Damages to ligaments, ranging from partial to complete tears.
Strains: Involves stretching or tearing of muscle fibers or tendons.
In pre-hospital settings, treat suspected sprains as fractures; immobilize accordingly.

Basic Management Principles

Conduct an ABCDE assessment to identify any time-critical features.
Address life-threatening issues first and refer to major trauma protocols if necessary.
Continuously assess limb motor, sensory, and circulation (MSC) integrity.

Ischaemia Assessment

Recognize the six 'P's:
- Pain not relieved by splinting
- Pallor indicating compromised blood flow
- Paralysis indicating loss of movement
- Paraesthesia (changes in sensation)
- Pulselessness indicating loss of circulation
- Perishing coldness of the limb.

Role of Splinting

Splinting effectively reduces:
- Pain and risk of hemorrhage
- Further damage to surrounding tissues
- Risk of fat embolism and muscle spasms.

Splinting for Common Injuries

Specific injuries require tailored splinting techniques, e.g.:
- Mid shaft femoral #: Kendrick traction splint.
- Tibia/Fibula # or ankle #: long leg box or vacuum splint.
- Clavicle: self-splintage.

Time-Critical Considerations

Mid shaft femoral fractures can result in blood loss of 500-2000mls.
Prompt intervention is crucial, especially for pelvic fractures potentially leading to significant blood loss.

Complications of Musculoskeletal Injuries

Risks include internal bleeding, nerve or muscle damage, infections, loss of tissue, long-term disability, and compartment syndrome.

Summary for Patient Care

Patients may experience significant pain; splinting can mitigate blood loss and discomfort.
Maintain awareness of less visible but life-threatening injuries while managing musculoskeletal issues.
Evaluate the need for advanced pain management guidance throughout patient care.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the management of musculoskeletal injuries covering assessment techniques and time-critical features. This quiz will guide you through the ABCDE method and important considerations for patient transfer. Perfect for clinical education students and professionals.