Fracture: Symptoms
Fracture: Symptoms
Fracture: Symptoms
BESTRE, CRISANTO
FRACTURE
Is a break or crack in a bone. Considerable force is needed to break a bone, unless it is a diseased
or old. However, bone that are still growing are supple and may spit, bend or crack like at wig. A
bone may break at the point where heavy blow is received. Fractures may also result from twist
or a wrench (indirect force). The most common cause of fractures are motor vehicle incidents,
falls and incidents related to recreation sports and activities. Some fractures result from very
slight injuries, particularly in older people, because of brittle or abnormal bones.
SYMPTOMS:
Sudden pain
Trouble using or moving the injured area or nearby joints
Unable to bear weight
Swelling
Obvious deformity
Warmth, bruising, or redness
-Stop the bleeding if the fracture has a laceration of the skin by applying pressure on the wound
using a sterile bandage or a clean piece of cloth.
-The affected area should not be moved; Because moving it can lead to severe complications,
especially if the fracture is in the neck or spine.
-The affected area should be cooled by placing ice cubes with a clean cloth and then placed on
the affected area in order to reduce swelling and pain.
-When the patient feels faint or is breathing short and rapid breaths, the injured person should be
placed in a suitable position so that his head is slightly lower than the torso. If possible, his legs
can be raised in order to overcome the symptoms of shock.
-Call an ambulance to request help and transfer the injured person to the emergency department
to take the necessary measures, such as examinations and treatment.
TYPES OF FRACTURE:
1. OPEN – Fracture are those associated directly with open wounds. An open fracture may
result from external violence or may be produced by injury from within, as broken ends bone
protrude through the skin are time of the accident or later through motion or mishandling of the
fractured bone. So, bone is exposed at the surface where it breaks the skin. The casually may
suffer bleeding and shock. Infection is a risk.
TREATING AN OPEN FRACTURE:
1. Cover the wound with sterile dressing or large, clean, non- fluffy pad. Apply pressure around
the injury to control bleeding, be careful not to press on a protruding bone.
2. Careful place a sterile wound dressing or more clean padding over and around the dressing.
3. Secure the dressing and padding with a bandage. Bandage firmly, but not so lightly that it
impairs the circulation beyond the bandage.
4. Immobilize the injured part as for closed fracture and arrange to transport the casualty to
hospital.
5. Treat the casualty for shock if necessary. Don not raises the injured leg. Monitor and record
the vital signs while waiting for help. Check the circulation beyond the bandage every 10
minutes.
2. CLOSED – are those not related to open wounds on the surface of the body, although there
may be a laceration over or near a fracture site. The skin is not broken, although the bone ends
may damage nearby tissues and blood vessels. Internal bleeding is a risk.
TREATING A CLOSED FRACTURE:
1. Advice the casualty to keep still. Support the joints above the below the injured area with your
hands, or ask a helper to do this, until it is immobilized with a sling or bandages.
2. Place padding around the injury for extra support. Take or send the casualty to the hospital.
3. For firmer support or if removal to hospital is likely to be delayed, secure the injured part to an
unaffected part of the body. For upper limb fractures, immobilize the ar with a sling. For lower
limb fractures, move the uninjured leg to the injured one and secure with broad – fold the
uninjured sides.
4. Treat for shock if necessary. Do not raise an injured leg. Elevate an uninjured limb if shock is
signs present. Monitor and record vital signs while waiting for help. Check the circulation
beyond a sling or bandage every ten minutes. if the circulation is impaired, loosen the bandages.
CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO THE ANOMICALTREATMENT
1. GREENSTICK FRACTURE -is fracture in which one side of a bone is broken while the
other is bent (like a green stick)
TREATMENT:
Usually, orthopedic specialists treat this type of fracture with a cast.
If a fracture is very bent or curved, the doctor might first need to straighten it in a procedure
called a reduction (or "setting the bone"). After giving medicine for pain and straightening the
bone, the doctor might first place a splint or partial cast to allow room for the swelling. This is
changed to a regular cast after a few days.
2. SPIRAL FRACTURE – sometimes called torsion fracture, in which a bone has been
twisted apart.
TREATMENT:
Immediately after the injury takes place, it is important to make sure no weight is put on the
fracture. If possible, it should be splinted to prevent further damage.
The affected limb should be elevated to heart level and iced to reduce blood flow and limit
inflammation. Ice should be applied for no longer than 10 minutes at a time.
Acetaminophen is the only over-the-counter medication recommended during initial treatment
for a fracture. Anti-inflammatory medications weaken the blood’s ability to clot and may make
internal bleeding worse.
A person should not eat or drink anything immediately after the fracture, as surgery may be
required.
All fractures require immediate medical care. Calling 911 or an emergency hotline to request an
ambulance may be the best way to get to a hospital without further injury.
3. COMMINUTED FRACTURE - fracture which bone is broken, splinted or crush into a
number of pieces.
TREATMENT:
Treatment for a comminuted fracture depend on the bone that is fractured and the type of
fracture. However, most do require surgery. Typically, surgery involves open reduction where
the bones are put back in place and fixated internally with screws and rods.
After surgery, an individual will need to wear a splint or cast for several weeks to months to
reduce mobility of the bone as it heals. Physical therapy is often recommended to improve
muscle strength around the fractured area.
4. TRANSVERSE FRACTURE – fracture which the break is a cross the bone, at a right
angle to the long axis of the bone
TREATMENT:
Surgery may be needed for the most serious fracture. Surgery is used to put pieces of bone back
in place. The pieces may be held in place with screws or other medical hardware. Surgery may
also be needed if you have internal bleeding or organ damage.
Medicine may be used to relieve pain or to relax your muscles.
- follow diet and exercise plan that will help you maintain good bone health.
- wear the right protective equipment for all activities and sports.
- make sure your home and workplace are free from clutter that could trip or others.
- always use the proper tool or equipment home to reach things. Never stand on chairs or tables
- use your cane or walker if you have difficulty walking or have an increased risk for falls.
Reference:
George A. Prado (2020-2021) Physical Education 3 (first aid and water safety) from:
https://fliphtml5.com/bsvjp/fskw/basic