Anesthesia for Orthopedic Emergencies

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Preop Blitz - Rapid Fire Assessment

  • ABCDE approach: Rapid, systematic.
    • Airway: Patency, C-spine precautions (if trauma). Intubation threshold?
    • Breathing: SpO2 >94%, RR, auscultate. Supplemental O2.
    • Circulation: 2 large-bore IVs, HR, BP. Control active hemorrhage. Fluid resuscitation.
    • Disability: GCS, pupils, focal deficits. Crucial: limb neurovascular status.
    • Exposure: Full body check for associated injuries. Prevent hypothermia.
  • AMPLE History: Allergies, Medications (esp. anticoagulants), PMH, Last Meal (NPO status critical!), Events.
  • Key Investigations: Hb, Group & Crossmatch, X-rays (affected part + C-spine if indicated). ECG if >40 yrs or comorbidities.
  • Consent: Informed, documented.
  • Premedication: Aspiration prophylaxis (e.g., Ranitidine 50mg IV, Metoclopramide 10mg IV). Anxiolysis if appropriate.

⭐ For open fractures, ensure prophylactic antibiotics (e.g., Cefazolin 1-2g IV) are given within 1 hour of injury, or pre-incision in OR.

Anesthetic Arsenal - GA vs RA Rumble

  • Decision Factors: Patient (comorbidities, airway, consent, full stomach), Surgery (site, duration, position, blood loss), Anesthetist skill.
  • General Anesthesia (GA):
    • Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI) often mandatory (full stomach).
    • Consider for uncooperative patients, long/complex procedures, contraindications to RA.
    • ⚠️ C-spine injury: Awake Fiberoptic Intubation (AFOI) or video-laryngoscopy.
  • Regional Anesthesia (RA): (Spinal, Epidural, Peripheral Nerve Blocks - PNBs)
    • Advantages: ↓blood loss, ↓DVT/PE, superior post-op analgesia, patient awake.
    • Contraindications: Coagulopathy, patient refusal, infection at site, severe hypovolemia.
    • PNBs excellent for limb-specific surgery & prolonged analgesia.

⭐ For isolated limb trauma in a stable patient, RA (especially PNBs) often offers better outcomes with fewer systemic effects than GA.

Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia procedure

Ortho Hotspots - Fracture Frights

  • Key Risks: Hemorrhage (pelvis, femur), Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES), Compartment Syndrome (CS), DVT.

  • Goals: Resuscitate, stabilize, early surgery. Regional vs. GA.

  • Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES):

    • Source: Long bone/pelvic #.
    • Triad: Resp. distress, Neuro changes, Petechiae (axillae, conjunctiva).
    • Mgmt: O2, ventilation, support, early fixation.

    ⭐ Gurd's Major Criteria (FES): Resp. distress (PaO2 <60 mmHg), CNS changes, Petechiae. Dx: 1 major + 4 minor OR 2 major.

  • Compartment Syndrome (CS):

    • ⚠️ Hallmark: Pain out of proportion; passive stretch pain.
    • 5 Ps: Paresthesia, Pallor (late: Pulselessness, Paralysis).
    • ICP > 30 mmHg or ΔP (DBP-ICP) < 20-30 mmHg → urgent Fasciotomy.
  • Hemorrhage:

    • Femur #: 1-1.5L; Pelvis #: ≥2L blood loss.
    • Large-bore IVs, TXA, MTP activation.
  • Tourniquet:

    • Max ~2 hrs. Deflation: ↓BP, ↑K+, ↑ETCO2.
  • DVT Prophylaxis: Essential (LMWH, SCDs).

Complication Control - Crisis Management

  • Hemorrhage: Recognize: ↓BP, ↑HR, ↓UO. Manage: Fluids, blood products, TXA. Target SBP 80-90 mmHg (if no TBI).
  • Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES): Classic triad: Respiratory distress, neurological signs, petechial rash. Prevent: Early fracture stabilization. Supportive care.
  • Venous Thromboembolism (VTE): Prophylaxis: Mechanical (SCDs), Pharmacological (LMWH/UFH).
  • Compartment Syndrome: 📌 5 P's (Pain, Paresthesia, Pallor, Pulselessness, Paralysis). Urgent fasciotomy.
  • Tourniquet: Limit time <2 hrs; monitor post-deflation for ↑K+, ↑Lactate.
  • BCIS (Cement Implantation): Hypoxia, hypotension, arrhythmias. Manage: ↑FiO2 to 100%, fluids, support, stop cement.
  • Crisis Protocol: Activate team, assign clear roles, use SBAR communication.

Emergency Orthopedic Anesthesia Crisis Management

⭐ In suspected Bone Cement Implantation Syndrome (BCIS), a key immediate step is to request the surgeon to halt cementing, simultaneously increasing FiO2 to 100% and providing hemodynamic support.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) is crucial for full stomach risk in trauma.
  • Regional anesthesia (spinal, nerve blocks) is often superior for analgesia and reduced complications.
  • Anticipate and manage massive blood loss, especially with pelvic or femoral fractures.
  • Monitor for Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES) post long bone fractures (hypoxia, petechiae, CNS changes).
  • Compartment syndrome requires immediate fasciotomy; facilitate prompt surgery.
  • Implement Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis early.
  • Careful preoperative assessment for coexisting diseases in elderly patients, especially with hip fractures.
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Intravenous regional anesthesia is suitable for :

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Flashcards: Anesthesia for Orthopedic Emergencies

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What is the order of inotrope use in polytrauma patients with hemodynamic instability?_____

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What is the order of inotrope use in polytrauma patients with hemodynamic instability?_____

Noradrenaline > Vasopressin > Dobutamine > adrenaline

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