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Fractures
Fractures
Description
Fig. 61-4
Classification by Communication with
External Environment
Fig. 61-5
Classification by Fracture Location
Fig. 61-6
Description
Stable fractures
Occur when a piece of the periosteum is
intact across the fracture
External or internal fixation has rendered
the fragments stationary
Description
Unstable fractures
Grossly displaced
Poor fixation
Clinical Manifestations
Fig. 61-7
Collaborative Care
Overall goals of treatment:
Anatomic realignment of bone fragments
(reduction)
Immobilization to maintain alignment
(fixation)
Restoration of normal function
Collaborative Care
Fracture Reduction
Closed reduction
Nonsurgical, manual realignment
Open reduction
Correction of bone alignment through a
surgical incision
Collaborative Care
Fracture Reduction
Traction (with simultaneous counter-traction)
Application of pulling force to attain
realignment
Skin traction (short-term: 48-72 hrs)
Skeletal traction (longer periods)
See Table 61-7
Collaborative Care
Fracture Immobilization
Casts
Temporary circumferential immobilization
device
Common following closed reduction
Casts
Fig. 61-9
Collaborative Care
Fracture Immobilization
External fixation
Metallic device composed of pins that are
inserted into the bone and attached to external
rods
Collaborative Care
Fracture Immobilization
Internal fixation
Pins, plates, intramedullary rods, and screws
Surgically inserted at the time of realignment
Collaborative Care
Fracture Immobilization
Traction
Application of a pulling force to an injured
part of the body while countertraction pulls
in the opposite direction
Collaborative Care
Fracture Immobilization
Purpose of traction:
Prevent or reduce muscle spasm
Immobilization
Reduction
Treat a pathologic condition
Nursing Management
Nursing Assessment for Fractures
Neurovascular assessment
Color and temperature
cyanotic and cool/cold: arterial insufficiency
Blue and warm: venous insufficiency
Capillary refill (want < 3 sec)
Peripheral pulses (↓ indicates vascular insufficiency)
Nursing Management
Nursing Assessment
Neurovascular assessment
Edema
Sensation
Motor function
Pain
Nursing Management
Nursing Diagnoses
3. Pressure
Complications of Fractures
Compartment Syndrome
Clinical Manifestations
Six Ps:
4. Pallor (loss of normal color, coolness)
5. Paralysis
Intracapsular fractures:
Occur within hip joint capsule
Extrascapular fractures
Intertrochanteric: between greater and
lesser trochanter
Subtrochanteric: below lesser trochanter
Clinical Manifestations