Orthopedic emergency

This post will be explaining briefly, the common orthopedic emergencies, including its presentation investigations and managements.

EMERGENCY 1 : SEPTIC ARTHRITIS


Septic arthritis = infected joint. The infection will produce inflammation that kills the pathogen , but at the same time damages the cartilage.
The infection can either come from direct trauma or due to hematogenous spread from elsewhere in the body

Common organism: Staphylococcus Aureus (adult), H. influenza (child)

S&: FEVER, SWELLING, PAIN, WARM

Hx: Single joint, cant move (in pain), Hx of Trauma / URTI


Ix: FBC, C&S, (ultrasound in child), X-ray (effusion-widenning of joint space), crp

Mx: analgesic, fluid, paracetamol, aspirate, antibiotic
If Confirmed: (flush/ n aspirate), drain. immobilize


Complication: osteomylitis, deformity


EMERGENCY 2 : Crush Injury (reperfusion)


Crush injury will result in breakdown of muscle cells causing a delivery of its products (Myoglobin/Potassium/Creatine Phosphokinase) into the blood stream.
A release of the crushing pressure will allow these products to circulate freely in the blood causing systemic damage. (shock and renal failure)

Sign: hypovolemia

Investigation: ABG, Renal profile, full blood count

Management: Apply tourniquet , amputate , treat the shock and renal failure


-----Coming soon---- 


EMERGENCY 3 : Compartment Syndrome


EMERGENCY 4 : Fat Embolism


EMERGENCY 5 : Cauda Equina Syndrome