Extremity Injury Evaluation and Imaging - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering evaluation, imaging, fracture patterns, and common extremity injuries from the notes.

Red flags in extremity complaints

Clinical signs suggesting limb-threatening conditions: pallor, pulselessness, pain out of proportion, numbness, and inability to bear weight.

Vascular status

Assessment of blood flow to the limb, including capillary refill and distal pulses.

Neurologic status

Evaluation of sensation and motor function distal to injury.

Range of motion (ROM)

The extent to which a joint can move actively or passively.

Musculoskeletal special tests

Exam maneuvers to assess bones, joints, ligaments, and soft tissues.

X-ray (radiograph)

First-line imaging for most extremity complaints; uses ionizing radiation.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Cross-sectional X-ray imaging; excellent bone detail and hardware assessment; can include CT angiography for vasculature.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Imaging modality for detailed soft tissues, infection, and occult fractures; no ionizing radiation.

Ultrasound

Imaging of tendons, nerves, and fluids; real-time and radiation-free.

Nuclear Medicine imaging

Imaging with radiotracers to evaluate malignancy, osteomyelitis, or avascular necrosis.

Orthogonal views

Two perpendicular radiographic views (e.g., AP and lateral) used to evaluate a limb.

Shoulder imaging views

AP and Lateral views with optional axillary view for shoulder assessment.

Elbow imaging views

AP, Lateral with optional oblique view.

Wrist/Hand views

PA, Lateral, and Oblique views.

Digits views

PA, Lateral, and Oblique views.

Occult fracture

Fracture not visible on initial plain X-ray.

Why multiple views

Fractures or dislocations may be visible only in certain projections; aids in assessing displacement, angulation, and rotation.

Fracture pattern: Simple

Clean break with minimal fragmentation.

Fracture pattern: Comminuted

Fracture broken into multiple fragments.

Fracture pattern: Compound (open)

Fracture that communicates with the environment through a skin break.

Fracture pattern: Closed

Fracture with intact skin.

Displacement

Shift of fracture fragments from their normal alignment.

Angulation

Bending angle between fracture fragments.

Rotation

Twisting of fragments around the bone axis.

Impaction

Compression of fracture fragments causing shortening or seating.

Dislocation

Displacement of joint surfaces.

Pathologic fracture

Fracture through weakened bone due to disease (tumor, infection).

Stress fracture

Fracture from repetitive microtrauma.

Boxer’s fracture

Fracture of the neck of the 5th metacarpal.

Distal radial fracture (FOOSH)

Fracture of the distal radius from a fall on an outstretched hand.

Supracondylar fracture (child)

Fracture of the distal humerus just above the elbow, common in children.

Proximal humeral fracture

Fracture of the proximal portion of the humerus near the shoulder.

Shoulder dislocation (post-seizure)

Glenohumeral joint dislocation occurring after a seizure.