JL, a 50-year-old woman, fell and broke the left tibia at the ankle. She is in the emergency department, waiting for the fracture to be immobilized. The leg hurts and she notes that the ankle is red and swollen. A diagnosis of a simple fracture and sprain (damage to ligaments) is made. What is the rationale for immobilizing the fractured bone? Include in your explanation a discussion of why movement of the affected area is painful. She is told to come back to the fracture clinic in 24 hours to have her cast checked. What could happen to the inflamed tissue if the edema increases in the casted area? What warning signs and symptoms will you look for?

Body Structures & Functions
12th Edition
ISBN:9781285695495
Author:Scott
Publisher:Scott
Chapter6: Skeletal System
Section: Chapter Questions
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JL, a 50-year-old woman, fell and broke the left tibia at the ankle. She is in the emergency department, waiting for the fracture to be immobilized. The leg hurts and she notes that the ankle is red and swollen. A diagnosis of a simple fracture and sprain (damage to ligaments) is made.

  1. What is the rationale for immobilizing the fractured bone? Include in your explanation a discussion of why movement of the affected area is painful.
  2. She is told to come back to the fracture clinic in 24 hours to have her cast checked. What could happen to the inflamed tissue if the edema increases in the casted area? What warning signs and symptoms will you look for?
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