Closed fracture
A fracture is a violation of the integrity of the bone. The bone may break due to mechanical damage or excessive physical exertion, disproportionate strength of the bone tissue. You can try to protect yourself from fractures, but no one is completely immune from such injuries. To exclude complications, it is worth knowing the technique of first aid for fractures.
CLASSIFICATION OF FRACTURES
Fractures are classified according to several parameters. Incomplete fractures (fractures and cracks) and complete fractures (with or without displacement) are singled out separately.
Due to the occurrence of fractures are divided into traumatic and pathological. The latter are caused by various kinds of disorders in the body that affect bone tissue: tuberculosis, oncological diseases, etc.
In shape and direction, fractures are transverse, longitudinal, oblique, helical, wedge-shaped, hammered, comminuted and compression. It is impossible to determine the direction of the fracture without X-ray examination.
Visually, only the integrity of the skin can be diagnosed: the fracture is open (when the bone breaks the skin) and closed. The latter are not accompanied by wounds of other tissues. It is about them that we will talk.
SYMPTOMS OF A CLOSED FRACTURE
Unnatural position of the bone.
This is especially clearly seen with a fracture of the limbs. The arm or leg may bend in the wrong place or become shorter in length.
Pathological mobility.
If the limb bends where there is no joint, the diagnosis of “fracture” is unambiguous, although formally it requires confirmation by X-ray.
A crunch at the fracture site.
When a bone is fractured, a characteristic sound can be heard. Often the crunch can be heard even after a traumatic situation, if you press on the damaged area with a stethoscope.
Violation of limb function.
When a limb is fractured, the patient often cannot move it, and physical exertion causes acute pain. At the same time, mobility is not always completely lost, this is a myth. Therefore, one should not dismiss the possibility of a fracture if a person can move the fingers of the injured hand. In any case, it is necessary to visit a surgeon or a traumatologist who will send the patient for an X-ray and make an accurate diagnosis.
Edema of adjacent tissues and hematoma.
A fracture can cause swelling that is visually noticeable. A broken limb often swells at the joints. Trauma is often accompanied by the appearance of hematomas.
Pain.
Severe pain is not an unambiguous symptom of a fracture, but it should definitely be paid attention to. Pain is one of the components of traumatic shock, which can aggravate the situation.
FIRST AID FOR A CLOSED FRACTURE
If we are talking about a limb fracture, anyone can independently apply a splint to the victim before the arrival of medics. Immobilization of the damaged area will relieve the patient from unpleasant sensations. Any object can be used as a tire, a wooden plank is best suited. Remember: the splint is applied in such a way as to prevent the broken arm or leg from moving. That is, it should be attached behind the joints. If, for example, a patient has a broken shin, the lower part of the tire is attached under the ankle, and the upper part is above the knee (you can grab all three joints and fix the tire over the hip).
It is very difficult to cope with fractures of other bones without special training and it is better not to touch the victim at all, unless there is an urgent need. In case of spinal fractures, first aid should be provided only if a person’s life is in direct danger (for example, a fire). In all other situations, you are only required to remain calm, clearly state the essence of what is happening to the ambulance dispatcher and not leave the victim alone.
To alleviate the condition somewhat, the victim can be given painkillers (for example, analgin), water, tea, coffee. In no case should you take alcohol! Never “set” the bone yourself and do everything possible to ensure that the damaged bone remains in the same position until the arrival of doctors.
In any case, try to assess your skills sensibly and determine the expediency of actions. If the medical team arrives at the scene in a few minutes, it is better not to do anything at all. Sometimes illiterate first aid causes complications that might not have been. It is better to provide moral support to the victim and wait for qualified specialists with him.
The fracture itself is not so terrible, not sufferers were able to treat it yet, which is confirmed by research. Therefore, try not to panic and ask for help in time.
