Lesson 3: STRAINS, SPRAINS, & FRACTURES
FRACTURES
A fracture is any type of break in a bone. Most broken bones are simple or greenstick fractures, but let’s define the common, as well as some uncommon types of fractures (be aware that more than one type of fracture may be present in one victim):
- A complete fracture occurs when a bone is broken completely through. This results in a bone in two or more pieces.
- A partial fracture is a break that does not go all the way through the bone.
- A simple or closed fracture doesn’t break through the skin.
- A compound or open fracture is one where the broken bone breaks through the skin.
- A greenstick fracture occurs only in children. The bone breaks on one side, but only bends on the other side. The reason the type of fracture occurs only in children in because the bones of children are much more flexible than the bones of adults.
- A stress fracture is a very small crack, or series of cracks, in a bone occurring after repetitive activity that puts stress on a bone. Runners and basketball players are especially prone to stress fractures. About 25% of all stress fractures occur to the tibia (shinbone).
- In an impacted fracture, the broken ends of the bone are driven together.
- A spiral fracture occurs when a bone is twisted until it breaks. Imagine a wet rag being wrung out until it rips in two. Ouch!
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A FRACTURED BONE
- The victim heard or felt a snap at the time of the injury.
- The victim feels like bones in the injured area are grating together.
- The victim is unable to use the affected body part in a normal fashion.
- The injured body part looks deformed.
- The injured area may be swollen and bruised.
- The injured area may feel cold and numb.
- Of course, bones protruding through the skin is a pretty good indication of a fracture!
Bones go through four stages of healing after a fracture. For more information, see the References section of this lesson.
FIRST AID FOR FRACTURES BONES
- CALL 911.
- It takes a great amount of force to break a healthy adult bone. The incident causing the fracture may have caused other injuries. Care for any life threatening conditions first.
- Control any bleeding present.
- Apply an ice pack, or ice cubes wrapped in a towel, to the injured area. This will help to reduce swelling and reduce pain.
- Help the victim remain calm and as comfortable as possible.
If you must move the victim of a fracture, or other injury (such as a bad sprain) that inhibits walking, first you must splint the injury:
- A RIGID splint can be created from anything that is made out of an inflexible material, such as boards, cardboard, or even thick magazines. Secure the splint with towels or rags tied around the injured part and the splint.
- You can use pillows, blankets, towels, or any other material to create a SOFT splint.
- An ANATOMIC is when you use another body part to splint the injured area. For instance, a broken leg may be splinted to the other (uninjured) leg, or a broken arm can be secured to the torso to prevent movement.
When splinting an injury, remember these important tips:
- Splint an injury only if you MUST move the victim.
- Apply the splint to the injured area in the position you found it. Do not try to straighten out the injured area. This may cause further injury.
- As well as the injured area, splint the joints directly above and below the injured area to make sure the affected area remains immobilized.
- ALWAYS check the circulation around the injured area before and after splinting. If your splint is too tight, you may cut off circulation to the injured area, and possibly other areas, as well.
When transporting an injured person, make sure the victim is well splinted and well supported on both sides. If the victim is absolutely unable to walk (for example, two broken legs or unconsciousness), fashion a sled out of anything you can find—logs or branches secured together, or even a large cloth, and pull the victim, making sure your path is clear. If possible, have someone walk ahead of you to clear any debris out of your path.
