Fracture Type Descriptions I
This type of fracture occurs when the bone pierces through the skin
compound fx
This type of fracture is a straight across break in the bone
transverse fx
When should you check CMS?
Both before and after splinting
What does CMS stand for?
circulation, movement, sensation
What is typically the first line of imaging for diagnosing a fracture?
Xray
This type of fracture is common in sports due to the twisting forces that can occur in athletics
spiral fx
This type of fracture is an angled break across the bone
oblique fx
What are three signs and symptoms of a fracture?
Options: pain at injury site, swelling, bruising, deformity, inability to move affected limb, crepitus
Where should you check pulse for a humerus fracture?
distal to the injury e.g. radial pulse in this case
Name 3 types of splints
Options: SAM splint, vacuum splint, cardboard splint, anatomic splint
This type of fracture occurs when the bone is crushed
compression fx
This type of fracture occurs when the bone breaks in 2 places and leaves a floating piece
segmental fx
When splinting a fracture at a joint, how do you know the splint is the right size?
It covers the long bone above and below the injury
What is it called when you pinch a fingernail or toe nail to check for circulation?
capillary refill
Name 2 ways to immobilize the elbow
Options: splint in fixed position, sling, wrap arm to body
This type of fracture can be identified by the bone shattering into multiple pieces
comminuted fx
This type of fracture is an incomplete fracture that is common in children
greenstick fx
When splinting a fracture on a long bone, how do you know the splint is the right size?
it covers the joint above and below the injury
When splinting a tibia fracture, how would you check movement?
movement distal to injury e.g. wiggle your toes
What is crepitus?
a gravelly or grinding sound or feeling due to bone ends rubbing together
This type of fracture occurs when a ligament or tendon pulls a piece of bone off
avulsion fx
This type of fracture occurs gradually over time
stress fracture
What is the process of splinting?
Why is it important to compare bilaterally when checking for sensation?
decrease in sensation compared to the other side is still an important symptom. i.e. we don't want to just ask "can you feel this?"
What is the main difference in splinting a compound fracture vs. a simple fracture?
cover compound fractures with sterile dressing prior to splinting