What is Fractures?

• A Fracture is a localized separation, crack, or break in a bone. Most commonly, Fractures involve the bones of the arms and wrists
• Fractures are typically caused by trauma, due to an accident or a fall. These are common in children, sports athletes, and older adults. In almost all cases, medical treatment of the condition is important

What are the Causes of Fractures?

• The stresses required to cause a Fracture can be provided by severe impacts or repeated cyclical forces over time; which are termed “traumatic” and “stress” Fractures, respectively
• Seemingly trivial stresses can also cause Fractures, when the bone is weakened by conditions, such as osteoporosis and bone cancer. These Fractures are called “pathological” Fractures

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Fractures?

• The most common symptom of a Fracture is localized pain. Although, bones contain no nerve endings themselves, the swelling and nerve damage in the tissue surrounding the bone, causes pain that is frequently reported
• This pain usually increases, when the patient attempts to use a broken limb, or applies pressure in the area of a broken bone
• Some Fractures cause obvious visual deformities, such as limbs that are bent at unusual angles
• Fractured bones can also cause bruising or break the skin. When this happens, the Fracture is referred to as an open, compound (as opposed to a simple) Fracture
• Loose bone fragments might also frequently cause, muscle spasms in the area surrounding the Fracture
• Skull and spinal Fractures cause a wide variety of neurological symptoms by damaging nerves. These symptoms can include, cerebral edema (swelling of the brain), loss of sensation, and paralysis
• Severe Fractures can have many secondary complications, like crush syndrome, fat embolism, rhabdomyolysis, infection, and shock. Less severe Fractures are frequently diagnosed using x-rays,in a hospital setting

How is First Aid administered for Fractures?

First Aid tips for Fractures include:

• You should immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) if:
  • The Fracture is a result of major trauma, injury, or motor vehicle accident
  • There is heavy bleeding from the injury site
  • The individual is unconscious
  • You suspect a head, neck, or back injury
  • The end of the limb, finger, or toe, is insensitive or is turning blue
  • You see signs of shock
  • The injured person has difficulty breathing
  • You suspect a break in the hip, pelvis, or upper leg
• Stop any bleeding by applying pressure, using a sterile dressing or a clean cloth
• If arterial bleeding is suspected and medical assistance is not immediately available, use of a tourniquet may be appropriate
• Apply a cold pack to site of injury to reduce swelling. Do not apply ice directly to the skin, wrap it up in a cloth or towel
• In case there is a break in the skin, the site should be sterilized to remove dirt and then covered, once the bleeding has been stopped
• Regardless of the type of Fracture, the site of the Fracture should be immobilized
• Do NOT attempt to push or move the bone, which is sticking out, in case of an open Fracture
• Do NOT try to realign the bone, if it appears out of place, unless you are trained to do so
• Apply a splint to the area, directly above and below the fracture

Who should administer First Aid for Fractures?

• Any individual, in close vicinity of the injured person, can provide immediate comfort and First Aid, but one must seek medical help in almost all cases
• In case of severe Fractures, calling 9-1-1 (or your local emergency number) is the first line of action

What is the Prognosis of Fractures?

• The prognosis for a Fracture varies widely and depends on:
  • On the area/location of Fracture
  • Age of the victim
  • Any underlying conditions, and
  • Severity of the trauma associated with the Fracture
• The majority of young healthy people without severe secondary trauma, or co-morbid medical conditions, recover without any significant impairment
• The medical treatment is typically, to reposition the bone in a natural position and immobilize the bone using a cast or surgically implanted hardware, until the bone heals on its own. Barring the afore mentioned complications, these types of treatments are normally successful
• Sometimes, the bones fail to heal; this is called a mal-union. In the event of a mal-union, potential long-term effects are shortening of the affected bone, osteoarthritis, stiff joints,or even limb amputation

How can Fractures be Prevented?

A few helpful tips to prevent Fractures:

• Utilize suitable PPE (personal protective equipment) while performing certain dangerous activities, outdoor activities, or sports
• Carefully supervise children, at parks and playgrounds
• Use seatbelts in motor vehicles
• Add safety features, such as non-slick patches and handrails to the stairs

What are certain Crucial Steps to be followed?

• If the individual is feeling faint, turning grey, or breathing in short rapid bursts, treat for shock by loosening any restrictive clothing and elevating the legs above the head, if the Fracture is not in the lower extremities
• Do NOT attempt to move someone with a suspected head, neck, or back injury; or, if you suspect a broken hip or pelvis