Orthopaedic Technologist Certification Flashcards

The primary purpose of stockinette applied beneath a cast is to:

Answer: Protect the skin and provide a smooth inner surface

Stockinette protects the skin from plaster or fiberglass abrasion and is folded back over the cast edges to create a smooth, padded border.

A Colles' fracture is best described as a:

Answer: Distal radius fracture with dorsal angulation and radial shortening

A Colles' fracture is a distal radius fracture with dorsal angulation, producing the classic 'dinner fork' deformity and often radial shortening.

During cast removal, the cast saw should be moved in which motion to minimize skin injury?

Answer: Up-and-down plunge motion without lateral sweeping

The cast saw oscillates and should be used with an up-and-down plunge technique rather than dragging to avoid heat buildup and skin lacerations.

Which fracture pattern is most commonly associated with child abuse in pediatric patients?

Answer: Classic metaphyseal lesion (bucket-handle fracture)

Classic metaphyseal lesions, also called corner or bucket-handle fractures, are highly specific for non-accidental trauma in infants and young children.

When a patient is in a long leg cast and reports extreme pain, swelling, and a foul odor, the OT should first:

Answer: Immediately notify the supervising physician

These signs may indicate infection or compartment syndrome, both of which are emergencies requiring immediate physician evaluation.

The Ottawa Ankle Rules help clinicians determine the need for:

Answer: Radiographic imaging after ankle injury

The Ottawa Ankle Rules are clinical decision tools that identify which ankle and foot injuries require X-rays to rule out fracture.

A figure-of-eight brace is most commonly used for fractures of the:

Answer: Clavicle

Figure-of-eight braces retract the shoulders posteriorly to maintain alignment of midshaft clavicle fractures.