GREEN
What is a sprain
injury to the ligaments surrounding a joint
What is a strain
excessive stretching of a muscle and its fascial sheath, often involving the tendon
What is RICE?
rest, ice, compression, elevation
What is the most obvious sign of a dislocation
deformity
what is paresthesia
abnormal sensation (numbness, tingling)
What are the manifestations of strains & sprains
pain, edema, decreased function, & bruising
what is an open fracture
skin broken & bone exposed
what is a closed fracture
skin is intact over the site
what does pallor or cool/cold extremity below the extremity possibly indicate
arterial insufficiency
what are direct complications of fractures
infection, bone union problems, avascular necrosis
healing w/o complications, acceptable pain relief, maximum rehabilitation potential
compartment syndrome, VTE, fat embolism syndrome, breakdown of skeletal muscle, hypovolemic shock
what is one of the first signs of compartment syndrome
PAIN - not relieved with medication, out of proportion for the injury (paresthesia is also an early sign)
prophylactic anticoagulant drugs (10-14 days), ROM exercises, compression stockings, intermittent pneumatic compression devices
what does a warm, cyanotic extremity possibly indicate
poor venous return
What is an avulsion fracture
the ligament pulls loose a fraction of bone
What does compression do for an acute injury
decrease edema and pain
what are the 2 basic causes of compartment syndrome
1) restrictive dressings or or premature closing of fascia 2) increased compartment contents due to bleeding, inflammation, edema or IV infiltration
what are the six "P"s specific to compartment syndrome
1) PAIN - out of proportion to the injury, not relieved by medication, & pain on passive stretch of the muscle 2) increasing PRESSURE in the compartment 3) PARAESTHESIA 4) PALLOR 5) PARALYSIS 6) PULSLESSNESS
what is compartment syndrome
swelling causes increased pressure within a limited space
Describe immediate care of an sprain/strain injury
1) stop activity/limit movement to the injured part 2) apply ice packs to injury 3) compress the involved area 4) elevate the extremity 5) pain control
Describe a neurovascular assessment for musculoskeletal injuries
peripheral vascular assessment (color, temp, cap refill, peripheral pulses, edema) peripheral neurologic assessment (sensation, motor function, pain) COMPARE BOTH EXTREMITIES
what are common causes of vascular damage in musculoskeletal injuries
poor positioning, physiologic response to traumatic injury, or application of cast or restrictive dressing
why does dislocation require immediate attention
orthopedic emergency due to risk of vascular injury
A decreased or absent pulse distal to the injury may indicate what
vascular problems & insufficiency