-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
musculoskeletal system
fracture
diagnoses
definition and etiology
definition:
Any break in a bone.
etiology:
There are many types of fractures:
Partial (incomplete): break across the bone is incomplete.
Complete: bone is broken in two pieces.
Closed (simple): broken bone does not protrude through the skin.
Open (compound): broken bone protrudes through the skin.
Comminuted: bone is splintered at the broken area and many smaller fragments of bone are found between the two main pieces.
Greenstick: only occurs in children and is defined by having one side of the bone break and the other side just bend. Often seen in the radius.
Spiral: breaking force twists the bone apart.
Transverse: occurs at right angles to the bone.
Impacted: one fragment is forcibly driven into the other.
Colles': fracture of the distal end of the radius, and the fragment is displaced posteriorly.
Potts': fracture of the distal end of the fibula, with serious injury of the distal tibial articulation.
Displaced: correct anatomical alignment of the bone is not maintained.
Nondisplaced: correct anatomical alignment of the bone is maintained.
Stress: partial fracture resulting from the inability of the bone to withstand repeated stresses (e.g. doing aerobics on hard surfaces, running long distances). Almost a quarter of the stress fractures involve the fibula, particularly the distal third.
Pathologic: fracture that is a result of normal stress on a weakened bone. It occurs in such diseases as osteoporosis, neoplasia, osteomyelitis, and osteomalacia.
signs and symptoms
signs and symptoms:
History of trauma or relevant disease.
Pain.
Other signs based on what type of fracture has occurred.
lab findings:
(+) X-ray findings. Sometimes, initial x-rays will be negative (e.g. in wrist bone fractures), but when the bone is filmed again in 7-10 days, the x-rays will show a healing line can be seen.
course and prognosis
Typically, with prompt setting of the bone and immobilization, healing occurs in 4-8 weeks. Complications include non-union of the bone or severe fractures requiring surgery and pinning. In major injuries, such as fracture of the femur, the patient may go into shock.
differential diagnosis
severe sprain
muscle tear
somatic dysfunction
differentiate types of fractures
footnotes