Fracture Care
A bone fracture is the medical definition for a broken bone.
Fractures are usually caused by traumas like falls, car accidents or sports injuries. But some medical conditions and repetitive forces (like running) can increase your risk for experiencing certain types of fractures.
If you break a bone, you might need surgery to repair it. Some people only need a splint, cast, brace or sling for their bone to heal. How long it takes to recover fully depends on which of your bones are fractured, where the fracture is and what caused it.
When does a fracture require a cast?
A fracture typically requires a cast when the bone is broken but still in alignment, and the cast helps to hold the bone in place during the healing process. Casts are used for stable fractures, where the broken ends of the bone can be immobilised and aligned without surgery. The cast provides support, reduces pain, and protects the fracture from further damage, allowing the bone to heal properly over time.
Mentioned below are the medical scenarios when a fracture requires the use of a cast or a splint:
- Swelling: When an injury caused due to fracture causes extreme swelling and discomfort, a cast or splint may be required. The cast helps maintain the bones' alignment and speedy recovery of the broken bones. It also helps to lower the swelling and avoid any discomfort caused to the patient.
- Bruising: An injury leading to significant bruises on the skin can cause worry. A doctor must check such situations to know the root cause and proper injury treatment. A cast may help get rid of the fracture and lower the bruises. The cast helps maintain the bones' position after the surgical procedure, which helps in quick recovery and lower bruising.
- Restricted Movement: If an individual cannot move the injured part of the body and feels restricted, the situation requires a cast. The cast keeps the position of the bones aligned and intact to avoid any heavy movements. The cast helps in supporting the injury and keeping the operative surgery safe.
How is a fracture treated?
- Splints: Splints are the supports to immobilise broken bones or joints. It helps in unnecessary excessive movement of the injured joint and is also helpful to avoid swelling. Splints act as first aid for Fracture Care for supporting the bones.
- Stop Bleeding: Excessive blood loss in case of an injury or a fracture is one of the significant risks that can occur. If a patient is bleeding profusely due to a fracture, the blood flow should be immediately stopped. It should be done by pressuring the bleeding spot with a clean dressing.
- Do not move the injured part: If an individual has a fracture of bones, limbs, or the pelvis area, then one should not move the injured part. A professional medical assistant helps to deal with such situations accordingly. Medical assistance helps straighten the bones if required at r the time.
- Sling: A sling is a helpful measure to be taken in case of an arm fracture. It helps to support the broken bones and allows the patient to heal swiftly. The sling can be adjusted according to the patient's comfort and is also helpful in lowering pain and swelling.
- Cold Pack: A cold pack helps to lower the swelling and pain caused by fractures. Swelling due to excess inflammation in the injured part can be observed, leading to pain. Icing the situation helps to lower the swelling and allow speedy recovery from injury.
In case of compound fractures, upon arriving at the emergency department, pain relief options include oral or intravenous pain medications and nerve blocks. Tetanus vaccine and antibiotics might be administered based on the injury's cause, location, and severity. The acronym P.R.I.C.E. summarises treatment: Protection involves covering the fracture, Rest promotes healing, Ice reduces swelling, Compression uses casts or devices for stabilisation, and Elevation reduces swelling. Surgery is often needed, with the surgeon realigning the bones (reduction), sometimes using pins, rods, plates, or screws. Bones are then immobilised with casts or devices. Pain relief, sedation, or anaesthesia is provided during the procedure.
