What is a bone fracture?
A bone fracture is a medical condition that occurs when significant pressure is exerted on the bones, caused by: sports injury, traffic accidents, or bone stress. Besides, fractures may be attributed to some medical conditions that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis and some cancers. Fractures caused by diseases are referred to as pathological fractures.
Broken bones usually aren’t life-threatening, but they do require immediate medical care.
The goal of first aid for fractured bones is to limit further injury. It can also help minimize pain and improve the recovery outlook.
First aid of fractures:
Stop any bleeding
Especially in the case of an open fracture, where the skin is torn, cover the wound with a sterile dressing or a clean non-fluffy cloth. Apply pressure around the wound and not over the protruding bone, to control any bleeding. Then secure the dressing with a bandage. Advise the casualty to keep still while you support the injured part to stop it from moving
Immobilize the injured area
Holding a fractured bone site in place with a splint, cast, or brace. This is done to prevent an injured area from moving & avoid further injury. Any movement can result in serious complications—especially in the case of neck and back fractures.
Cryotherapy
Cool the affected area by applying an ice pack or ice cubes wrapped in a clean cloth. This will reduce pain and swelling of the fractured area
Treat the patient's shock
If the person feels faint or is breathing in short, rapid breaths, lay the person down with the head slightly lower than the trunk and, if possible, elevate the legs & encourage them to rest, and reassure them. Cover them with a blanket or clothing to keep them warm.
To get professional help
If the fractured bone is the result of major trauma or injury call the ambulance and help the patient get to the emergency department for examination and treatment.
Call for emergency help if,
The person is unresponsive, isn't breathing, or isn't moving. Begin CPR if there's no breathing or heartbeat.
There is heavy bleeding.
Even gentle pressure or movement causes pain.
The limb or joint appears deformed.
The bone has pierced the skin.
The extremity of the injured arm or leg, such as a toe or finger, is numb or bluish at the tip.
You suspect a bone is broken in the neck, head, or back.
Conditions where first aid is needed
Fracture of Hand
The fractured hand occurs when one or more metacarpals bones and/or phalanges bones break as a result of an accident, fall, or contact sport.
Fracture of the face or jaw
Injuries to the face may be associated with a head injury or with a serious eye injury.
If unconscious but breathing normally, place the patient on their side in a supported position.
If conscious, allow the patient to rest in the position of greatest comfort.
Fracture of the arm, wrist or collarbone or dislocation of the shoulder joint
Use a pillow or folded clothing to allow the patient to support the weight of the arm in the most comfortable position.
The person may feel most comfortable in an arm sling
Fracture of the ribs
Assist the patient in a position of greatest comfort.
Thigh bone fractures
The thigh bone is a very large bone and fractures can involve significant blood loss. All people with a suspected thigh fracture should have an ambulance called.
Cast care:
A cast may be used to treat fractures, by fixing the damaged bones. Casts are necessary for better healing and mitigating the pain caused by bone movement. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the cast, to reduce the risk of complications, and avoid infection.
Following are some cast care instructions :
It is common to experience swelling of the fracture area, which results in a feeling of discomfort at first. To mitigate swelling, it is advisable to place the cast on pillows, and elevate it above the level of the heart, for 24 - 48 hours.
Use cold compresses, by applying a pack of ice, or a clean cloth including ice cubes, to the swollen area. It is advisable to use compresses for 20 minutes every two hours. But avoid applying ice directly to the skin.
Keep the cast dry while bathing, and make sure that water does not get into it. Before you bathe, wrap your cast with two layers of plastic. Then put a plastic bag over it. Keep the plastic bag tightly sealed by using an adhesive tape.
If the cast gets wet, it must be dried immediately. You may use a hairdryer on a cool setting (never use the hot settings because it might burn your skin).
Keep the cast clean, and keep it away from dirt or sand, so as not to be infected.
Never insert any objects (pens, etc.) into the cast when feeling itchy. This may damage the skin, and cause infection.
Sajani Gamlath
References
https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/EducationalContent/Firstaid/Pages/007.aspx
https://www.healthline.com/health/first-aid/broken-bones
Comments