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Fracture

Considerations:
If more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will split or break. An open fracture (in which bone breaks the skin) can easily become infected. If a young child does not start to use an injured arm or leg within hours of an accident, or if they continue to cry when the injured area is touched, assume the child has a broken bone, and get medical help. It is hard sometimes to tell a dislocated bone from a broken bone. Both are emergency situations. The basic first aid steps are the same for both.

Causes:


Symptoms:


Do not:
  • DO NOT move the victim unless the injured area is completely immobilized.
  • DO NOT move a victim with an injured hip, pelvis, or upper leg unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must move the victim immediately, use the "clothes drag" technique.
  • DO NOT attempt to straighten a misshapen bone or joint or to change its position.
  • DO NOT test a misshapen bone or joint for loss of function.
  • DO NOT give the victim anything by mouth.


Call Your Healthcare Provider if:
  • the victim has a dislocation , broken bone, or if there is severe bleeding .
  • you cannot completely immobilize the injury at the scene by yourself.


First Aid:
1. Check the victim's airway, breathing and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing, CPR , or bleeding control .
2. Keep the victim still and provide assurance.
3. If the skin is broken by a fractured bone, or if you suspect there may be a broken bone under the skin, take steps to prevent infection. Don't breathe on the wound , and do not wash or probe it. Cover it with sterile dressings before immobilizing the injury.
4. Splint or sling the injury in the position in which you found it. Be sure to immobilize the area both above and below the injured joint and to check the circulation of the affected area after immobilizing. Ice packs may be applied to ease pain and swelling . To check circulation either check the radial pulse in the wrist or press firmly on the skin in the affected area - it should blanch and then, "pink up" in 2 seconds.
5. Make an effort to prevent shock . Lay the victim flat, elevate the feet about 12 inches, and cover the victim with a coat or blanket. However, do not move the victim if a head, back, or leg injury is suspected.
6. Get medical help.

Prevention:
  • Appropriate protective gear should be worn during activities:
  • helmets
  • elbow pads
  • knee pads
  • shin pads
  • Create a safe environment for young children.
  • Teach safety . Help children learn how to look out for themselves.
  • Supervise children carefully. There is no substitute for adequate supervision, no matter how safe the environment or situation appears to be.




Bone X-rays are a rapid way of determining the presence of fractures, dislocations, and other types of bone abnormalities. The procedure has the advantage of being painless and exposing the patient to only a small amount of radiation.



Any bone in the body can be broken (fractured). Fractures of the long bones are frequently referred to by the names in this illustration.



This picture shows a normal osteoclast. It is a large cell with separately identifiable, multiple nuclei. An osteoclast is one of the two types of cells that are needed to repair bone.



This X-ray shows broken (fractured) forearm bones (radius & ulna).



This picture shows a fracture repair of the forearm where open surgical correction was necessary.



This picture shows a fracture repair of the forearm where open surgical correction was necessary.



This picture shows a fracture repair of the left forearm where open surgical correction was necessary. The tube extending out of the forearm is used for drainage.