fractures (and spine curve)

lordosis

lumbar curve

kyphosis

cervical curve

scoliosis

lateral curve “S”

complete fracture

bone is broken all the way around

incomplete fracture

bone cracks but not a full break

closed (simple) fracture

bone is broken and skin remains intact

open (compound) fracture

broken bone pierces through the skin

increases infection risk

comminuted fracture

bone is shattered in 3 or more fragments

linear fracture

brak runs parallel to the long axis on the bone

oblique fracture

break occurs at an angle across the bones

spiral fracture

break twists around the bone

caused by a rotational force

transverse fracture

break is straight across, perpendicular to the bone’s long axis

greenstick fracture

incomplete fracture where one sie of the bone bends and cracks but doesn’t fully break

common in children due to flexible bones

pathologic fracture

fracture that occurs in a bone weakened by disease

stress fracture

small crack in the bone caused by repetitive force or overuse

complications with fractures

compartment syndrome

fat embolism

osteomyelitis

compartment syndrome

increased pressure in muscle compartment around fracture site; can lead to necrosis

pt will have pain, pressure, pallor, paresthesia, pulselessness

fat embolism

associated with long bones and moving through the blood steam and leads to hypoxemia, neurological abnormalities, petechial rash

osteomyelitis

infection that could lead to necrosis without antibiotics

manifestations of fractures

deformity

crepitus

swelling

pain

limited mobility

impaired sensation

muscle spasms

treatment for fractures

splints

restore to normal position (reduction)

surgery

debridement

casts/traction

physical therapy

fracture healing

fracture

hematoma

inflammation

bone formation

remodeling

malunion

misalignment during healing

nonunion

not healing back together