Fractures The Nature of Fractures Signs and Symptoms Management Techniques Paige McCreadie

The Nature of Fractures

Signs and Symptoms

Management Techniques

The Nature of Bone Fractures A bone fracture is….. … a complete or incomplete break in a bone resulting from the application of excessive force.

A bone fracture is…..

They are usually defined as either: OPEN or CLOSED (compound) (simple) The Nature of Bone Fractures

They are usually defined as either:

Clarifying Fractures Open fractures are breaks in which the broken bone protrudes through the skin, and is exposed to the outside. Closed fractures are where overlying skin is not pierced or broken. When a fracture damages underlying organs it is known as a complicated fracture.

Open fractures are breaks in which the broken bone protrudes through the skin, and is exposed to the outside.

Closed fractures are where overlying skin is not pierced or broken.

When a fracture damages underlying organs it is known as a complicated fracture.

Signs and Symptoms Signs & Symptoms Pain near the site Difficulty moving Swelling Deformity Grating of bone Shock Bleeding Tenderness

Management Techniques If the casualty is responsive; 1. Conduct a primary survey 2. Prevent any movement if possible 3. Keep the casualty comfortable and call an ambulance 4. Only if necessary splint the injured site when ambulance transport is not available 5. Treat for shock 6. Do not try to realign the limb, and wait for further medical assistance. If the casualty is unresponsive; 1. Immediately call an ambulance 2. Place victim in the recovery (lateral) position & conduct a primary & secondary 3. Monitor and movement or vital signs 4. Provide with supplemental oxygen if available & wait for further medial assistance

If the casualty is responsive; 1. Conduct a primary survey 2. Prevent any movement if possible 3. Keep the casualty comfortable and call an ambulance 4. Only if necessary splint the injured site when ambulance transport is not available 5. Treat for shock 6. Do not try to realign the limb, and wait for further medical assistance.

If the casualty is unresponsive; 1. Immediately call an ambulance 2. Place victim in the recovery (lateral) position & conduct a primary & secondary 3. Monitor and movement or vital signs 4. Provide with supplemental oxygen if available & wait for further medial assistance

Bibliography Arthritis-Symptom.com (07/09/2008) http://arthritis-symptom.com/fracture/open-fracture.htm Better Health Channel (June 2008) http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Bone_fractures?open Health A to Z (08/14/2006) http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/fractures.jsp Royal Life Saving First Aid ( August 2006) J.Lipperman & J.Natoli pg.50-51

Arthritis-Symptom.com (07/09/2008) http://arthritis-symptom.com/fracture/open-fracture.htm

Better Health Channel (June 2008) http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Bone_fractures?open

Health A to Z (08/14/2006) http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/fractures.jsp

Royal Life Saving First Aid ( August 2006) J.Lipperman & J.Natoli pg.50-51