Skin Traction vs. Skeletal Traction Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of using a splint for fractures?

To immobilize the fracture (correct)

To promote muscle contracture

To induce joint instability

To increase blood flow

Which material is a Scotch Cast typically made of?

Glass

Metal

Natural polymer (correct)

Rubber

Which is a local complication associated with fractures?

Fat shock

Delayed union

Pressure sores (correct)

Muscle contracture

What is typically assessed in the assessment of fractures regarding the patient's neurovascular status?

Sensations in the injured extremity Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the late complications of fractures?

Joint instability Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of immobilization in treating fractures?

To maintain bone alignment after reduction Signup and view all the answers

What should be examined on the skin when assessing fractures?

Lacerations and abrasions Signup and view all the answers

Which type of internal fixation is suitable for fractures of long bones and rotational fractures?

Intramedullary nails Signup and view all the answers

When is external fixation typically used in the treatment of fractures?

When internal fixation is difficult to apply or has failed Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of skin traction in fracture treatment?

To stabilize severe fractures Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes open reduction from closed reduction in treating fractures?

One involves a surgical procedure while the other does not Signup and view all the answers

In skeletal traction, where is the pulling force applied?

Extremities of the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of skin traction?

To prevent or reduce muscle spasm Signup and view all the answers

Which type of traction is used for short-term treatment until surgery is possible?

Skin traction Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of immobilization in fractures?

To hold bone fragments in correct alignment until union occurs Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT used for external fixation of fractures?

Internal fixators Signup and view all the answers

How is skeletal traction different from skin traction?

Skeletal traction provides long-term pull, while skin traction is for immobilization Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of immobilization by external fixation?

External fixators Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Traction

Prevents or reduces muscle spasm
Immobilizes and reduces fractures or dislocations
Treats joint or part of the body with pathologic condition

Skin Traction

An adhesive strap is applied on the skin and traction is applied
Used for short-term treatment until skeletal traction or surgery is possible

Skeletal Traction

Provides long-term pull that keeps injured bones and joints aligned

Immobilization of Fractures

After reduction, bone fragments must be immobilized until union occurs
Methods of external fixation include bandages, casts, splints, traction, and external fixators
Metal implants used for internal fixation serve as internal splints to immobilize the fracture
Strapping: fractured part is strapped to an adjacent part of the body (e.g., finger fractures)
Sling: used for fractures of the upper extremity to relieve pain where rigid immobilization is not necessary

Reduction of Fractures

Closed reduction: non-surgical, manual realignment of bone fragments to their previous anatomic position
Open reduction: correction of bone alignment through a surgical procedure, includes internal fixation of the fracture

Internal Fixation

Screws: used for fixing small fragments onto the main bone
Wires: applied percutaneously without exposing the fracture, used for fractures that heal quickly
Plates: used for treating metaphyseal fractures of long bones
Intramedullary nail: suitable for fractures of long bones and rotational fractures
Tension bands: created by wires and cables, used to compress bone fragments together

External Fixation

The bone is transfixed above and below the fracture with screws or pins connected to each other by a frame or rigid bars outside the skin
Used for severe fractures or when internal fixation is difficult to apply or has failed

Immobilization of Fractures

POP/Scotch Cast: made of natural (plaster of Paris), synthetic (acrylic), latex-free polymer, or a hybrid of materials
Splints and braces: used for immobilizing fractures, either temporary during transportation

Complications of Fractures

General: hemorrhage, hypovolemic shock, fat embolism, cardiopulmonary failure
Local: visceral injury, vascular injury, nerve injury, compartment syndrome, hematoma, infection, gangrene, fracture blisters, and pressure sores
Late complications: delayed union, malunion, non-union, avascular necrosis, muscle contracture, joint instability, and osteoarthritis

Assessment of Fractures

Mechanism of injury
Location, character, and intensity of pain
Neurovascular status: ask patient to describe sensations in injured extremity
Functional mobility: observe patient's ability to change position
Physical examination: examine skin for lacerations, abrasions, ecchymosis, edema, and temperature

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Description

Test your knowledge on the differences between skin traction and skeletal traction, their purposes, and applications in treating fractures, dislocations, and pathologic conditions. Understand the importance of immobilizing joints and reducing muscle spasms for effective treatment.