FRACTURES – DESCRIPTION

A fracture is a broken bone; it may be complete or incomplete, as in a greenstick fracture in a child. It is recognised by pain, swelling and loss of function but sometimes this last sign is not present. Just because somebody can still move his fingers does not mean that the wrist has NOT been broken.

Fractures may be complicated by causing damage to arteries and nerves, or compound, that is involving lacerations or exposing the bone. With large fractures there is always marked loss of blood internally (so you can’t see it) and the risk of shock is present.

The essence of first aid treatment is to immobilise the fractured bone. Don’t try to straighten a crooked limb — splint it as it is.

Splints are easily improvised. Strap one leg to another or one arm to the side of the body, or put one arm in a sling. A piece of wood, a stick, even a ruler, bandaged against the broken limb will do to immobilise the ends of the broken bone.

All suspected fractures must be seen by a doctor. FINGERS

These may be splinted with bandages, or by strapping to the adjoining fingers. BONES OF THE ARM

May be immobilised in a sling, or strapped to the side.

CLAVICLE (COLLARBONE)

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