Fracture is defined as disruption in the integrity of a living bone involving injury to the bone marrow, periosteum and the the surrounding soft tissues. Fracture can cause a significant amount of morbidity and therefore, should be prevented at all times.
How to Prevent Fractures
Prevention of fractures involves the following.
This can be achieved by getting enough calcium through foods. Usually a person should take 1500 micrograms of calcium per day. This amount can easily be achieved only by eating enough calcium containing foods such as small fish, milk and fortified foods or drinks such as orange juice.
Taking enough calcium diet is not enough to strengthen the bones. The bones get stronger according to the stress they are put in to. This can be achieved by carrying out aerobics and weight training.
- Avoiding and protecting from potential accidents that can cause fractures.
Road traffic accidents plays a leading role in fractures. Therefore, various measures has been taken to minimize road traffic accidents. Adhering to these rules and regulations and thereby avoiding accidents can keep you away from fractures. Make sure you and everyone else in the vehicle wears seat belts before starting your vehicle. Never drive when you are drunk.
Management of Fractures At the Site of the Accident
Management of fracture involves management at the site of the infections and proper medical and surgical management after arrival to the hospital. At the site of the hospital, the following measures should be taken to minimize the complications and to optimize the recovery.
Most of the fractures occurs in poly trauma patients. So, the person should be attended as a whole. The person who have a training in managing fractures should approach the patient safely and carry out A,B,C and stabilize the patient before attending his or her fractures. Once the patient is table the injuries can be managed. Many serious fractures are open fractures and therefore, can bleed continuously, In such situations, you should apply pressure over the wound by putting several layers of gauze or cloth over it. Before doing this you should protect your self by putting on latex gloves or by covering the hands using a polythene bag. When applying the pressure, try not to displace the fragmented bones.
Then the fracture should be immobilized. Immobilization reduces pain and reduced the chances of the patient going in to shock. Immobilization is done by applying a splint. Splint should be applied to involve both the proximal and distal joints involving the fracture. An umbrella, folded news papers or magazines etc, can be used as a splint.
You can also immobilize the fractured lower limb by tying it onto the normal lower limb. An injured upper limb can be immobilized by tying it on to the chest wall. If the elbow is bent, you can rest the forearm on a broad arm sling.
Management of Fractures at the Hospital
Once the patient arrives to the hospital, the doctors take a brief history regarding the incident which lead to the injury. He will also take a brief history regarding the past history of fracture, associated comorbidities and other social factors. Radiographs will be taken.
The management of fractures can be wither operative or non-operative. Non operative management involves closed reduction followed by a period of immobilization with splinting or casting.
