EDN: Injuries to Bones and Joints

FRACTURES

A break in the integrity of a bone; may be caused by direct trauma (projectiles, crush injuries) or by indirect trauma (bones being pulled apart or rotational forces)

pathologic fracture

is due to a weakness in the bone secondary to a disease process such as metastatic cancer.

DISLOCATION

—complete displacement or separation of a bone from its normal place of articulation

shoulder, elbow, fingers, hips, ankles

IN DISLOCATION, what are the joint that are most frequently affected?

Sprains

—injuries in which ligaments are partially torn or stretched. These types of injuries are usually caused by a twisting of a joint beyond its normal range of motion.

Strains

stretching or tearing of muscle and tendon fibers. Usually caused by overexertion or overextension.

• protect the injury

• rest the injury

• ice

• comfortable support

• elevate

Treatment For Soft Tissue Injuries and Closed Fractures (PRICE)

20 minutes

Apply an ice pack to the injured area for up to

splint the way you found it

what is the RULE IN SPLINTING

numbness or paralysis

this assessment may indicates pressure on the nerves and may require immediate medical intervention.

point tenderness

Pain and tenderness over the fracture site, called

frozen

Signs and symptoms of dislocations: Loss of joint motion—the joint may appear “_________”

cover with sterile dressing

what do to with open fractures?

Compartment Syndrome

Increased pressure within an extremity resulting from bleeding and swelling into a closed space, causing pressure on vital structure

1. pain

2. pallor

3. pulselessness

4. paresthesia

5. paralysis

6. puffiness

six Ps (signs and symptoms) of compartment syndrome

puffiness, and paralysis

what are LATE SIGNS OF compartment syndrome for injuries to bones, and joints?

do not elevate limb above the level of the heart

if compartment syndrome is suspected, DO NOT ______________ because this may decrease perfusion to the compromised extremity.

Emergent fasciotomy

what is the definitive treatment for compartment syndrome?

fat emboli

Patients with long bone or pelvic fractures are at risk for developing ________and should be monitored closely.

NPO

Prepare the patient for the possibility of needing to go to the OR (operating room)—keep the patient