How to handle fractures

  

Date Posted: 12/9/2011 11:12:48 AM

Posted By: Wishstar  Membership Level: Gold  Total Points: 7507

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A fracture may be defined as a broken or cracked bone.
There are various causes of fractures of which the common ones include;

i. Direct force, e.g a kick
ii. Indirect force, which may break a bone at some distance from where the force is applied.
iii. Muscular contraction. This may, for example, cause fracture of the knee cap.

There are three types of fractures;

1. Closed simple: when there is no wound leading down to the broken bone

2. Open or compound: when there is a wound leading down to the broken bone, or when the fractured ends protrude through the skin thus allowing germs to gain access to the site of the fracture.

3. Complicated: when there is some other injury directly associated with the fracture, such as to an important blood vessel, the brain, lungs or when associated with a dislocation.

General signs and symptoms of fractures include;
1. Pain over the injured part
2. Tenderness on gentle pressure
3. Swelling and later bruising
4. Loss of control
5. Deformity of the limb
6. Irregularity of the bone may be felt

General rules for the treatment of fractures

1. Severe wounds and bleeding must be dealt with before continuing with treatment of fractures
2. Treat the fracture where the casualty lies. The injured part must be secured way before the casualty is moved, unless life is endangered.
3. Steady and support the injured part at once and maintain this control until such time as the fracture is completely secured
4. Immobilize the structure either by securing the injured part to a sound part of the body by means of bandages or by use of splints and bandages where necessary.

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