Fractures

A Fracture is a crack or break in the bone.

Causes of Fractures:

Direct Force: This is a blow to the body that causes the bone to break at the spot the blow was received.


Indirect Force: This, for example, happens when you fall and land on your hands but a force travels up and breaks your collar bone (Clavicle).

Types Of Fractures:

Open: This is where the bone is broken and the skin is also broken. The bone may be sticking out.

Closed: This is where the bone is broken but the skin is still intact.

Complicated: This can occur when either an open or closed fracture causes further injury e.g. broken bone that cuts a blood vessel or punctures the lung.

Signs & Symptoms:


Swelling
Pain

Loss of movement
Irregularity
Noise
Tenderness
Shock

Treatment:

Steady and Support- Try to reduce pain by stopping movement.
Open Fracture- Place a dressing on an open fracture.
Closed Fracture- Place a cold compress on to reduce swelling.
Padding- to prevent limbs grating off each other.
Immobilise- Tie the legs together or put the arm in a sling.
Treat for Shock and send to the Hospital.