Musculoskeletal Trauma Management

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to musculoskeletal trauma management, including types of injuries, assessments, and nursing care.

Contusion

A soft tissue injury caused by blunt force, characterized by ecchymosis, pain, swelling, and limited joint range of motion.

Strain

An injury to a muscle or tendon, classified into degrees based on severity, from mild stretching with no loss of range of motion (1st degree) to complete tears (3rd degree).

Sprain

An injury to ligaments characterized by varying degrees of damage, from mild stretching (Grade I) to complete tears (Grade III).

Compartment Syndrome

A condition of increased pressure within a muscle compartment that can lead to nerve and muscle damage; it requires immediate intervention.

Neurovascular Assessment

The evaluation of blood flow, nerve function, and tissue viability distal to an injury, using the '6 Ps': Pain, Pallor, Pulses, Paresthesia, Paralysis, Poikilothermia.

Skin Traction

A method of applying pulling force directly to the skin to temporarily immobilize or reduce muscle spasms before surgery.

Skeletal Traction

A more invasive method of immobilization that involves inserting pins into the bone and applying weight for consistent alignment of fractured bones.

Amputation

The surgical removal of a limb or part of a limb, caused by trauma, disease, or congenital deformities.

How do you differentiate fiberglass vs. plaster casts?

Fiberglass casts are lightweight, waterproof, and dry quickly, while plaster casts are heavier, more porous, and take longer to dry. Fiberglass = lighter, dries fast, durable, radiolucent, more expensive.
Plaster = heavier, takes longer to dry, molds better, cheaper.

What are signs of a fat embolism syndrome?

Signs of fat embolism syndrome include respiratory distress, altered mental status, petechial rash, and fever, usually occurring 1-3 days after a fracture.

Impaired Mobility Hazards

Risks include pressure injuries, VTE, pneumonia, constipation, urinary stasis, muscle atrophy, and psychological effects.

Assistive Devices

• Crutches: 2–3 finger widths below axilla, 30° elbow flexion.

• Walkers: at wrist crease height.

• Canes: single or multi-point for balance.

• Education: proper gait training, safety (non-skid tips, remove hazards, proper footwear).

Internal Fixation

• Screws, plates, rods, wires (ORIF).

• Advantage: stable, allows early mobilization.

• Nursing: pain control, wound care, DVT prevention.

External Fixation

a surgical technique using metal pins or screws placed into bone, connected by rods outside the body. This method stabilizes fractures while allowing for soft tissue management and is particularly useful in cases of complex or open fractures.