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A break or crack in a bone is called a fracture. Although it is sometimes obvious, an X-ray in a hospital is usual the only way of finding out whether the bone has been fractures, and to what extent. If we suspect a fracture, we treat as a fracture. Someone can fracture a bone by falling, being hit by something, or having the bone pulled, twisted, crushed or bent. Someone who has a fractured bone will usually be in a lot of pain and they may not be able to move the affected area. The signs and symptoms will depend on where the fracture has happened. A fractured skull will look a lot different than a fracture to the leg. They may also have any of the following: deformity, swelling and bruising around the area. A limb may appear twisted or different lengths to the other one. There may be a grating noise on the bones called Crepitus. They may be showing signs of shock, particularly if the pelvis or the thigh is fractured. And finally, you may be able to see bone sticking out of the wound. A closed fracture is where the skin is not broken, but there may be a small crack in the bone, or it may be completely broken. There may be other injuries to blood vessels, muscles, soft tissues and tendons, which is called a complicated fracture. Fractures can be stable or unstable. A stable fracture is where the bone ends do not move, as they're not completely broken which could be something like an impact injury. Common examples of this are fractures to the shoulder, the wrist, the ankle, or the hip. An unstable fracture is where the bone ends can possibly move, and these require a lot more care by the first aider to avoid extra damage to soft tissues. An open fracture is where the bone is exposed through the skin, which can also have other problems that we need to deal with like bleeding, and care about infection. Treatment for breaks is to tell the person not to move the injured part and try and immobilize the limb in the position you find it, to avoid any extra pain or damage to the person. You can use commercial splints, or improvised splints, like using a bit of cardboard to support the limb. But take care not to move the break. Use padding to further support the limb. If you are dealing with an open fracture, you will need to cover the wound carefully with a sterile dressing and apply pressure around the wound to control bleeding. But do not cover the protruding bone. You do not cover the bone, as pressure on the bone ends may push the bone into the body, causing more damage and pain. Secure the dressings in place. Arms can be positioned in a horizontal sling and a fractured leg can be secured against the good leg. Once you have stabilised the patient, call the EMS or take the to hospital. Fractured bones rarely on their own cause fatalities, but other complications internal or external, including shock, can be serious, so monitor their breathing and levels of response while you are waiting for the EMS to arrive.
Understanding Fractures and Dislocations: First Aid and Treatment
Types of Bone Injuries
Fractures: These are cracks or breaks in bones.
- Closed Fractures: Bones are completely broken but do not puncture the skin.
- Compound Fractures: Bones puncture through the skin's surface.
- Complicated Fractures: Nerve damage may also occur.
Dislocations: Occur when a joint is forcibly separated.
Causes of Bone Injuries
Bone fractures can result from various causes, such as falls, impacts, joint injuries, or crushing forces. The severity of a fracture may vary, and hospital assessment is often necessary for confirmation.
Recognizing Bone Fractures
Common Signs and Symptoms:
- Pain: Severe discomfort typically accompanies fractures.
- Deformity: Visible misalignment or abnormal shape of the affected area.
- Bruising and Swelling: Surrounding tissues may show signs of injury.
- Mobility Issues: Difficulty moving the injured limb or joint.
The specific indicators depend on the location and type of fracture.
Types of Fractures
Categorizing Bone Fractures:
- Closed Fractures: Bones may have small cracks or be entirely broken without skin penetration.
- Stable Fractures: Bone ends remain in place and do not shift; common in areas like the shoulder, wrist, ankle, or hip.
- Unstable Fractures: Bone ends may shift, requiring careful immobilization to prevent further damage.
- Open Fractures: Bones protrude through the skin, often causing additional complications like severe bleeding.
Treatment and First Aid
Immediate Response:
- Immobilisation: Keep the limb or joint in its found position to minimize pain and damage.
- Seek Professional Help: Contact medical professionals promptly for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Note: Open fractures may lead to excessive bleeding and emotional distress, requiring specialized care.