Fractures

What are fractures?

A break or crack in a bone is called a fracture. In the case of an open fracture, the broken bone may pierce the skin surface. But in a closed fracture the skin around the fracture is intact. However, broken bones may be unstable causing internal bleeding and the casualty may develop shock.

Types of Fracture

CLOSED – Clean break with no complications.

COMPLICATED – These can be complicated breaks as blood vessels and nerves could be trapped in and around the broken bone.

OPEN  - The skin becomes broken by the bone which still may 9Or may not) be protruding from the wound. High risk of infection. 

GREEN STICK – Most common on children who have young and more flexible bones. The bone split, but not totally.  Can often be mistaken for sprains.

Signs and symptoms

Look for:

Deformity, swelling and bruising around the fracture.

Pain and/or difficulty moving the area.

A limb may look shorter, twisted or bent .

A grating noise or feeling from the ends of the broken bones.

Difficulty or being unable to move the limb normally

A wound where you can see the bone sticking out (known as an open fracture).

Signs of shock, particularly with a fracture of a thigh bone, hip or pelvis.

What to do:

1. If it is an open fracture, cover the wound with a sterile dressing or a clean non-fluffy cloth. Apply pressure around the wound and not over the protruding bone, to control any bleeding. Then secure the dressing with a bandage.

2. Advise the casualty to keep still while you support the injured part to stop it from moving. Do this by holding the joint above and below the injured area.

3. Place padding around the injury for extra support.

4. Once you’ve done this, call 999 or 112 for emergency help. Do not move the casualty until the injured part is secured, unless they are in immediate danger. You can secure an upper limb fracture with a sling and a lower limb fracture with broad fold bandages.

If in doubt an x-ray is advised.

If necessary treat for shock, but do not raise an injured leg. Monitor their breathing and level of response while waiting for help to arrive.