Term 

Definition

Angulation

Amount of bend at the fracture site.  Described in terms of the moving fragment from its anatomical position relative to the normal fragment.  Measured in degrees

AP

Anteroposterior

ATLS

Advanced Trauma Life Support

AVN

Avascular necrosis

Backslab

A partial cast that does not completely encircle the limb.  This allows for swelling.  A bandage is applied to keep it in place

Bayonet apposition

A fracture in which the two bone fragments are aligned side by side rather than in end-to-end contact.

Bier's block

iv regional anaesthetic agent where the local anaesthetic (either lignocaine or prilocaine) is injected into a vein preferably distal to the fracture whilst a proximal tourniquet remains in place for at least 25-30min

Buckle injury

Metaphyseal compression fracture.

Complete fracture

A fracture that extends through both cortices

Coronal plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior halves. Also called frontal plane.

Displacement

See translation

GAMP

General Anaesthetic, Manipulation and Plaster

Greenstick fracture

An incomplete fracture, in which only the convex side of the cortex is broken with bending of the bone

LAMP

Local Anaesthesic, Manipulation and Plaster

Malunion

Fracture has healed but with poor alignment

ORIF

Open reduction internal fixation

Plastic deformation

Bowing without disruption of cortex

ROM

Range of motion

Sagittal plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into right and left sections.

Three point moulding

Three point moulding involves three points of pressure.  Pressure is applied directly above the fracture (dorsally) and two volar points at both the distal and proximal ends combining slight traction

Torus injury

See buckle

Translation

Sideways movement of the fracture.  Described in terms of the moving fragment from its anatomical position relative to the normal fragment.  Measured as percentage of bone diameter or in millimetres