MRI
(Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Identifies soft tissue, ligament tears and herniated disks.
(Sports Injury)
Osteomyelitis
Bone with infection inside
Myelography
X-rays of the spinal column after injection of the contrast medium into the subarachnoid space via a catheter.
Used when spinal lesion is suspected (herniated disks, tumor
GIVE PRE-EMPTIVE MEDS (LOAD EM UP)
Myelography
Uric Acid
-Normally excreted in the urine, LEVELS ARE INCREASED IN GOUT.
Assessment of musculoskeletal system
STOP IF PAIN OR RESISTANT IS MET
Low Back Pain
-Elevate the HOB and flex the knees
Clinical Manifestations of Fractures
Hip Fractures
-Affected limb is shorter and externally rotated.
Open Fracture
IFOPEN FRACTURE AND PATIENT HAS DEVELOPED A TEMPERATURE OF 101.4 TWO DAYS LATER, CALL THE DR!!
Reduction
-anatomic realignment of bone fragments (put back in place)
Complications of open fractures
INFECTION- r/t disruption of skin integrity
Open Reduction with Internal Fixation (ORIF)
-Facilitates early ambulation (With an assistive device; walker, crutches)
-The earlier they get out of the hospital the faster they heal becaues theyre more mobile.
Bucks Traction for Fracture Reduction
Uses body weight as counter weight.
A complication of Bucks traction is pt is unable to dorsiflex the affected foot.
Skeletal Traction
DO NOT INTERRUPT THE WEIGHT APPLIED TO THE TRACTION.. bone can become unaligned and they have to go back to surgery.
Assess pressure points from groin to toes
1 Complication of Fracture
Fat Embolism
s/s: chest pain, confusion, dyspnea, tachypnea, petechiae of neck and anterior chest wall.
Clinical Manifestations of Compartment Syndrome
-Do regular neurovascular assessments especially in pts with distal humurus or proximal tibial fractures.
Assess the 6 P’s
-Peresthesia (numbness/tingling)
-Pain (distal to the injury) Unrelieved with Narcotics Administration
EDEMA AND DECREASED PULSE
Clinical manifestations of Compartment Syndrome
Assess for myoglobinuria
Collaborative Care Compartment Syndrome
DO NOT elevate about level of the heart.
This raises venous pressure and slow arterial perfusion.
DVT
Especially in hip fractures
Fat Embolism Syndrome
Fat globules in tissue after skeletal injury
-After total joint replacement, spinal fusion, liposuction, crash injuries and bone marrow transplants
S/S of fat embolism
-OXYGEN is #1 priority
Short Arm Cast
-Keep arm elevated above the level of the heart.
Amputation Care
Avoid pillows under surgical extremity to prevent flexion contractures.
Lie on abdomen for 30 min 3-4 times/d.
-Minimize pain (phantom pain) LOAD EM UP