Complications of Fractures Summary of complications of fractures Onset Examples Urgent early complications Visceral injury, vascular injury, nerve injury, compartment syndrome, hemarthrosis, infection, gas gangrene Less urgent early complications Fracture blister, pressure sore, heterotrophic ossiifcation, ligament injury, tendon injury, nerve…
Overview The main objective of treating fractures is to enable the patient to return to normal function as soon and as safely as possible. The 4 principles of managing fractures include resuscitation, reduction, restriction (holding reduction) and rehabilitation. Treating the…
History Possible secondary injuries Secondary injury Action Thoracic injury Check cardiorespiratory function (fractures of the ribs or sternum may injure the heart and lungs) Spinal fracture Perform a neurological exam Pelvic and abdominal injuries Ask about urinary function, order diagnostic…
Overview Pelvic organ prolapse is an abdnormal herniation of pelvic organs from their normal anatomic position. It is the third most common reason for elective hysterectomy. 11% of women undergo surgery for prolapse or incontinence in their lifetime. Levels of…
Fetal Movements (”Kick” charts) Maternal perception of fetal movements can be used to monitor fetal well-being. A decrease in movements can precede fetal death. A kick is defined as the full movement of extension or flexion (sensation of “playing” around).…
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome Abdominal compartment syndrome is increased intra-abdominal pressure (intra-abdominal hypertension) due to interstitial oedema (third spacing) leading to vascular compromise, ischemia and organ dysfunction. Abdominal compartment syndrome should be suspected in any patient who develops oliguria/anuria, tachypnoea and…
Overview Lethal Triad Hypothermia, coagulopathy and acidosis are known as the “lethal triad” in trauma because each condition worsens the other if left untreated, resulting in irreversible progression towards death. ****It was first described in 1982 by Kashuk et al.…
Pancreatic Tumours Pancreatic tumours originate from either the exocrine pancreas or the endocrine pancreas (pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours – PNET). 95% of pancreatic tumours are exocrine tumours, most commonly adenocarcinoma. Pancreatic cancer is the tenth most common cancer and the fourth…
Genital warts This is an STD caused by HPV. Transmitted via anal intercause. HPV-6 and HPV-11 cause warts. Also exposed to HPV-16 and HPV-18 and are likely to develop cancer.
Fistula in Ano A Fistula-in-ano is a communication between the anal canal and perianal skin. They are a notorious complication of perianal abscess and Crohn’s disease. It can occur at the site of a drain placement or at the incision…