Three types of fractures. Presentation 01, Module 04, Biology 120. Professor Abdullah - Truman College. By Yeo Jeong Kim.

1. 3 Types of Fractures
Comminuted • Compression • Colles’ fracture
Yeo Jeong Kim
Biology 120 • Truman College
September 18, 2013
1Wednesday, September 18, 13

2. Shared Similarities
All three fractures (Comminuted, Compression, & Colles’) are
common among the elderly
These fractures are a result of aging bones that are weakened
from conditions such as Osteoporosis or Cancer
I picked these 3 out of the 8 because I have experience with
them from working as a Physical Therapist in Korea
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3. Comminuted Fracture
Serious case of fractured bones
The affected bone is broken into three or more
pieces
Termed as a multi-fragmentary fracture
Is either Open or Closed
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4. Causes & Symptoms
Causes
Involves crushing or splintering of the bone
Results from tremendous force such as a car accident or
severe fall
Symptoms
Unbearable pain at the site of injury
Cannot bear any amount of weight in that area
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5. Diagnosis
The typical diagnosis of Comminuted Fracture includes:
Physical examination
Medical History of the Patient
Laboratory Testing: X-ray & CT Scans
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6. Treatment
The main aim of treatment is to restore normal position and
usage by use of:
Pain relieving medication
Reduction: Bones are aligned and kept in an immobilized
state with plaster and/or splits
For impacted fractures surgical nails, screws, plates and
wires are used
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7. Compression Fracture
Compression fracture is the most
common type of fracture that
affects the spine
This type of fracture causes
bones to collapse vertically
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8. Causes
Occurs when forces are too great or the bones in the spine aren’t strong
enough
Also a result of diseases or conditions that affect the parathyroid gland
The Parathyroid gland produces PTH which regulates calcium in the
body
Can result from Cancers that affect the kidneys, skin, parathyroid gland
Trauma to the Spine
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9. Symptoms
Mild compression: little or no pain at first
Traumatic Compression: intense pain in the back that spreads
into the legs
This can paralyze muscle and impair sensation when bone
fragments press into the spinal cord
The spine tilts forward into increased kyphosis
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10. Diagnosis
Physical examination
Medical History
Laboratory tests:
X-Ray, CT Scan, CT Scan with Myelography, MRI, Bone Scan
Note that this Diagnosis is different from the
Comminuted Fracture
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11. 2 Types of Treatment
Non-surgical Treatment
Most cases are treated without surgery
Patients are prescribed medication to control pain, rest, and Orthosis
(Special Back Brace)
Surgical Treatment
Open procedures for cases of severe trauma common to Osteoporosis
Purpose is to reduce pain and strengthen fractured bones
Procedures include Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty
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12. Colles’ Fracture
Colles’ Fracture is the most
common distal radius fracture
It occurs about 1 inch from the
tip or end of the bone
The broken end of the radius
tilts upwards
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13. Causes
Typically results from a fall onto an outstretched arm
Osteoporosis can make a minor fall result in a broken wrist
Often times by an elderly patient who fell from a standing
position
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14. Symptoms
Immediate Pain
Tenderness
Bruising
Swelling
Wrist hangs in an odd or bent way (deformity)
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15. Diagnosis
Physical Examination
check to see if wrist is deformed or numb; fingers are not
pink
Medical History
Laboratory Testing: X-Ray
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16. Treatment
Colles’ Fractures have many different treatment options depending on
the nature of the fracture, age of patient, activity level, etc.
Non-surgical Treatment
Plaster cast if the broken bone is in a good position
Reduction to realign the broken bone fragments if the bone is out of
place
Splint or Cast
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17. Surgical treatment
The purpose of surgery in Colles’ fractures is to correct bone
positioning for patients arms that function
Typical Procedure:
An incision is made
Open reduction
Application of metal pins, plates, screws, cast, and external
fixator
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