Question

The physician needs to be prepared to stabilize any fracture or dislocation and transport the patient. If an athlete has a traumatic ankle deformity, axial traction and relocation should be attempted only once. True False

Answer 1

It is false that axial traction and relocation should be attempted only once if an athlete has a traumatic ankle deformity. Relocations should be conducted by medical professionals under proper conditions to avoid worsening the injury. Surgical intervention may be necessary for severe ankle injuries.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that a physician should attempt axial traction and relocation only once if an athlete has a traumatic ankle deformity is false. Only trained medical professionals should manipulate a fracture and attempt to reset it, and such procedures should only be done under appropriate medical supervision and conditions. It is crucial not to attempt relocations in a non-clinical setting due to the risk of further injury. An ankle deformity following trauma may indicate a severe injury such as a Pott's fracture, which involves not only a fracture but also dislocation of the ankle joint. In such cases, improper handling can exacerbate the injury.

Fractures will heal over time; however, if they are not set correctly in their anatomical position, the bone can heal in a deformed position, potentially causing long-term functional issues. For significant injuries involving ligament tears or bone fractures, conservative treatment like the RICE technique (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) may be insufficient, and surgical intervention may be necessary to properly align the bone and ensure optimal recovery.