Soft Tissues
What are 4 types of soft tissue injuries?
Strain, Sprain, Dislocation, Subluxation, carple tunnel, meniscus, RCI
What are the three ways to classify a fracture
Open (skin broken) vs Closed (skin intact)
Complete (completely through bone) vs Incomplete (partially across bone shaft)
Displaced (two ends separated) vs Nondisplaced (periosteum intact; bone is aligned)
What is the purpose of traction?
Immobilize joint, reduce fracture or dislocations, prevent or reduce pain, treat the pathologic joint condition
Promote active and passive exercise
What is the purpose of a cast?
Temporary after closed reduction, allows patient to perform many normal ADLs while maintaining immobilization
Why do infections occur with fractures?
Contaminated tissues, soft tissue injury itself, open fractures (exposure)
What are 3 symptoms of Soft Tissue Injuries
Deformity, Pain, Tenderness, Loss of function, Swelling, Bruising
S/S of fractures
Swelling/edema, pain/tenderness, muscle spasm, deformity, contusion, loss of function, crepitation, guarding
What is skin traction?
Tape, boots, or splints applied directly to skin to reduce muscle spasm
5-10 lbs
What are the different types of casts?
Sugar-tong splint (injuries with swelling)
Posterior splint (wrapped with elastic bandage)
Short arm cast (stable wrist or metacarpal)
Long arm cast (stable forearm or elbow)
What is compartment syndrome?
Swelling and increased pressure within a limited space (muscle compartment)
Compromises neurovascular function of tissues within that space
What is the management of Soft Tissue Injuries
RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
What influences healing of fractured bones
Displacement/site of fracture, blood supply, immobilization, poor nutrition, age, smoking, infection
What is skin buck traction?
Most often used for fractures of the hip and femur (Ball and socket joints)
What is the purpose of a Sling?
To support and elevate
S/S of compartment syndrome
Six Ps:
Pain, Pressure, Paresthesia, Pallor, Paralysis, Pulselessness
What is the nursing care for Soft Tissue Injuries
Pain Management & Joint Protection (Rehab, Gentle ROM)
NSAIDS
What is the difference between closed reduction and open reduction
Closed: non-surgical, manual realignment, traction, immobilization
Open: surgical incision, internal fixation, early mobility
What is a skeletal traction?
What is Internal Fixation
Realignment of bony fragments (Pins, plates, rods, screws)
Treatment for Compartment Syndrome
Prompt diagnosis
Early signs: notify of pain not relieved by drugs, paresthesia
Late signs: Pulselessness, paralysis
What are common sports injuries related to soft tissue
Rotator Cuff, Meniscus Injury, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury (ACL), Bursitis
What are the different types of fractures
Transverse, Spiral, Greenstick, Comminuted, Oblique, Pathologic, Stress
What are the two most common types of traction?
Skin and Skeletal
What is External fixation?
Metal pins and wires attached to external rods
Fatty pieces that clot tissues and organs (medical emergency)
Similar to P.E. but occurs with fracture or trauma