Orthopedic Trauma Glossary

Surgical division of bone cortex without disrupting the medullary canal or periosteum.

Closed reduction and internal fixation - a surgical technique that realigns fractures without open exposure.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: a chronic pain condition that can develop after trauma or surgery.

Staged surgical approach prioritizing life-saving interventions over definitive fracture repair in critically injured pa...

Surgical removal of devitalized, contaminated, or infected tissue from a wound.

Slower than expected bone healing process that may still progress to complete union given time.

A fracture occurring in the shaft or middle portion of a long bone, between the metaphyses.

Surgical technique using gradual mechanical distraction to stimulate new bone formation between separated bone segments.

Orthopedic device with pins or wires inserted into bone and connected to external frames for fracture stabilization.

A life-threatening complication where fat particles enter the circulation, typically following long bone fractures.

The space between bone fragments at a fracture site, which may indicate loss of bone length or poor reduction.

Blood clot that forms at a fracture site, serving as the initial scaffold for bone healing.

The process of realigning displaced bone fragments to restore anatomical position and length.

The critical first hour after severe trauma when immediate intervention has the greatest impact on patient survival.

Grading system for open fractures based on wound size, contamination level, and soft tissue damage.

Mechanical failure of internal fixation devices such as broken screws, bent plates, or loosened implants.

Palpable or visible projection of orthopedic implants through the soft tissues.

Abnormal bone formation in soft tissues following trauma or surgery, particularly around joints.

Compressive forces applied between fracture fragments to promote primary bone healing and stability.

A specialized screw that compresses fracture fragments together by engaging only the far cortex.

Fracture extending into a joint surface, potentially affecting joint mechanics and function.

Metal rod inserted into the medullary canal of long bones for fracture fixation and load sharing.

Injury Severity Score: a standardized anatomical scoring system for patients with multiple trauma.

A thin, smooth metallic pin used for temporary or permanent fixation of bone fragments.