Musculoskeletal Care: Fractures

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to musculoskeletal care, specifically focusing on fractures, their types, healing processes, and associated complications.

Dislocation

The displacement of a bone from its joint.

Strain

An injury to a muscle or tendon caused by overstretching.

Sprain

An injury to a ligament caused by stretching or tearing.

RICE

A method for treating soft tissue injuries: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.

Avulsion Fracture

A fracture where a fragment of bone is pulled away by a tendon.

Comminuted Fracture

A fracture in which the bone has splintered into several fragments.

Compression Fracture

A fracture caused by the bone being compressed.

Depressed Fracture

A fracture where fragments are driven inward, often seen in skull fractures.

Epiphyseal Fracture

A fracture through the epiphyseal plate, typically seen in children.

Greenstick Fracture

A fracture where one side of a bone is broken and the other side is bent.

Impacted Fracture

A fracture in which one bone fragment is driven into another.

Oblique Fracture

A fracture that occurs at an angle across the bone.

Open Fracture

A fracture that involves a break in the skin.

Pathologic Fracture

A fracture occurring in diseased bone, such as osteoporosis.

Simple Fracture

A fracture that remains contained without breaking the skin.

Spiral Fracture

A fracture that twists around the shaft of the bone.

Stress Fracture

A fracture resulting from repeated loading of the bone.

Transverse Fracture

A fracture that is straight across the bone shaft.

Clinical Manifestations of a Fracture

Symptoms such as pain, loss of function, deformity, and swelling.

Fracture Hematoma

Blood accumulation at the fracture site during the first 72 hours post-injury.

Callus Formation

New bone built up around a fracture site during the healing process.

Ossification

The process where callus turns into bony tissue.

Consolidation

The reduction of the distance between bone fragments during healing.

Immobilization

The act of preventing movement of a fractured bone to promote healing.

ORIF (Open Reduction Internal Fixation)

A surgical procedure to align and hold bone fragments together.

Traction

A pulling force applied to a body part to align and stabilize it.

Skin Traction

A type of traction using a sling or adhesive strips applied to the skin.

Skeletal Traction

Traction using pins or wires inserted into the bone for heavyweight applications.

Buck’s Traction

A type of skin traction used for hip fractures to reduce muscle spasms.

Balanced Suspension Traction

Allows for movement while providing continuous traction.

Compartment Syndrome

A condition where increased pressure within a muscle compartment compromises circulation.

Fat Embolism Syndrome

A serious complication following bone fracture where fat globules enter the bloodstream.

Delayed Union

When a fracture healing progresses more slowly than expected.

Nonunion

Failure of a fracture to heal despite treatment.

Malunion

Fracture healing in an unsatisfactory position leading to deformity.

Pseudoarthrosis

A false joint formed at a fracture site due to nonunion.

Internal Fixation

Surgical methods using hardware to stabilize a fractured bone.

Nursing Cast Care

Assessment and care practices for patients with casts.

Electrical Bone Stimulation

A method to promote bone healing using electrical currents.

Hydration and Nutrition for Healing

Fluid and nutrient intake, including protein and vitamins, crucial for fracture recovery.

Pin Care

Management practices to prevent infection at pin sites in external fixation.

Neurovascular Assessment

Evaluating circulation and sensation in a limb post-injury or after immobilization.

Pain Management

Interventions to relieve pain associated with fractures and injuries.

Complications of Fractures

Potential issues such as infection, nerve injury, and delayed healing.

Muscle Atrophy

Decreased muscle mass and function often resulting from immobilization.

Contractures

Shortening of muscles or connective tissues leading to restricted movement.

Plantar-Flexion Issues

Condition caused by prolonged positioning leading to tendon shortening.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

A complication that can arise from muscle breakdown and myoglobinemia.