What type of pelvic fracture is most consistent with a …

Medicine Questions

What type of pelvic fracture is most consistent with a patient who jumped from a third story, landing on their right foot and experiencing pain and crepitus in the right hip upon pressure to the iliac crests? A. Posterior compression fracture B. Lateral compression fracture C. Vertical shear fracture D. Anterior compression fracture

Short Answer

The patient’s injury is identified as a vertical shear fracture caused by a high-impact fall from a height of three stories, leading to misalignment in the pelvis. Key symptoms include intense pain and crepitus in the right hip, indicating significant disruption of the pelvic structure and potential ligament damage.

Step-by-Step Solution

The patient’s injury is likely a vertical shear fracture resulting from a high-impact fall.

Step 1: Understanding the Mechanism of Injury

The injury occurs when a patient experiences a significant fall, landing forcefully on a lower limb. In this case, the patient jumped from a height of three stories, which subjected the pelvis to an extreme vertical force. This force travels through the body, impacting the pelvis and causing injuries resulting from misalignment.

Step 2: Identifying The Signs and Symptoms

The key indicators of a vertical shear fracture include intense pain and a sensation of crepitus, which is a crackling sound or feeling in the joint. After landing, these symptoms manifest specifically in the right hip, suggesting the injury’s focus is in the pelvic area. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.

Step 3: Understanding the Injury Type

A vertical shear fracture occurs due to the disruption of the pelvic ring under significant vertical force. This injury leads to:

  • Misalignment of the pelvic structure.
  • Stretching or tearing of stabilizing ligaments at the back of the pelvis.
  • Creation of a shearing force that fractures the pelvis.

These elements highlight the severity and nature of vertical shear fractures, critical for any treatment plan.

Related Concepts

Mechanism Of Injury

The process through which an injury occurs, often involving the forces and impacts that contribute to the injury’s occurrence

Vertical Shear Fracture

A type of bone fracture characterized by the disruption of the pelvic ring due to significant vertical force, leading to misalignment and potential ligament damage

Signs And Symptoms

The indicators and sensations a patient presents, such as pain and crepitus, which help in diagnosing the type and severity of the injury.

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