Fractures - Bone Injuries and Fractures.

AS and A Level Physical Education (Sport & Coaching)

FRACTURES.

Bone Injuries and Fractures

A broken bone should be suspected whenever a person complains of pain with the loss of the normal use of a limb. Any victim suspected of having a broken neck or broken back should be handled in a special manner

Most fractures are "simple," and the skin is not broken. Breaks that pierce the skin are known as "compound" fractures.

1. When there is reason to suspect multiple broken bones or a fractured pelvis or thigh, let trained emergency personnel transport the victim to a hospital.

2. If the fracture is compound, cover the skin with large clean pads; never try to change the position of the broken bone.

3. If the victim must be moved, immobilize the limb by securing it to a firm object. (For example, a piece of wood, broom handle, ski pole, several newspapers or magazines, or even an uninjured leg can be tied to an injured leg to immobilize it.) Both ends of the splint must extend beyond the area of the suspected fracture. Secure with bandages, belts, sheets, or neckties. Most injuries of the arm or hand can be stabilized simply with a sling.

A severe sprain should be treated like a fracture, and medical attention should be sought. ...

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A severe sprain should be treated like a fracture, and medical attention should be sought. Milder sprains may be managed at home. Aspirin, rest, elevation of the affected extremity, and local ice packs are the best treatment.

Do not attempt to reset a dislocated joint--a bone may be broken. Take the victim to a hospital; slings or splints may be helpful for transport.

Repair and Healing

The doctor first reduces the fracture (brings the broken ends together) and then sets the ends firmly. Before X rays came into use, bone setting was not always accurate and crippling deformities resulted. Today, with X ray, the physician can see the nature and extent of the injury, check the setting, and be certain afterward that the bones have not moved. X ray is used also during manipulation of dislocations. Compound fractures usually require surgery. Shattered bones are sometimes repaired by screwing metal plates to them or by bone grafts. There is some evidence that the application of very small amounts of electricity to injured bones can help them heal when there is difficulty in getting them to do so by other means.

While the process of healing is taking place, the bones must be held firmly in the set position. The most common devices used are plaster casts, bandages, slings, splints of wood, and braces. Muscle pull sometimes has to be overcome by weights attached to ropes run over pulleys. This is called traction.

The body begins at once to produce new tissue to bridge the broken pieces. At first this tissue, which is called callus, is soft and easily injured. Later the body deposits bone minerals in it until the callus becomes a solid piece of bone. The weak place is even strengthened with a little extra bone. It usually takes about six weeks for a broken bone to knit together.

CUTS.