First aid for fractures: immobilization rules

During accidents, emergencies and natural disasters, people get injured. Most often these are fractures, which are accompanied by blood loss and painful shock. The success of further treatment largely depends on how timely and correctly first aid was provided for open and closed fractures.

Guidelines and a poster about fractures on the stand are available after the article.

Main types of fractures

Most often, fractures are divided into closed and open. In the first case, the skin is not damaged, in the second, the skin is torn, and parts of the bone can protrude beyond the wound. With an open fracture, tissue infection occurs, which means recovery takes longer.

Based on the nature of damage to bones and adjacent tissues, the following types of fractures are distinguished:

• comminuted - the bone is destroyed with the formation of many fragments;
• complicated – nerve fibers and internal organs are affected along with the bone;
• displaced – bone fragments are displaced relative to each other;

The fracture can also be partial in the form of a crack. This violation of bone integrity is more common in children due to the elasticity of bone tissue.

Principles of providing first aid

With the help of first aid, you can significantly reduce the risk of complications - infection, painful shock, displacement of fragments. The principles of action are similar for open and closed fractures, but there are some nuances that you need to become familiar with.

First aid for broken limbs

Let's consider the algorithm of actions and rules of first aid for a broken limb:

1. Look around and make sure there is no danger to yourself and the victim.
2. If a person is without signs of life, take resuscitation measures and only then provide assistance for a fracture.
3. Call the emergency services team.
4. If there is arterial bleeding, take measures to stop it.
5. Try not to change the position of the victim’s body and limbs, especially if a spinal fracture is suspected. If you need to remove clothes or shoes, do it carefully, starting with a healthy limb.
6. Take measures to prevent painful shock.
7. Provide immobilization.

Until the ambulance arrives, you need to stay next to the victim, monitor breathing, pulse and consciousness, and also try to calm him down.

Additionally read:

Types of external bleeding and first aid

If the fracture is open, you need to carefully, without changing the position of the injured limb, stop the bleeding by choosing the most appropriate method. The area of ​​skin around the wound should be treated with an antiseptic solution, then a clean bandage should be applied. After this, you can prepare a splint that must match the length and fix the injured limb. Until the ambulance arrives, the victim must be kept at rest. If the collarbone is fractured, you need to put a roller in the armpit, bend your arm at the elbow, hang it on a scarf and bandage it to the body.

Prevention of painful shock

Due to damage to soft tissues and nerve fibers, severe pain occurs during a fracture. If you do not provide assistance in this direction, traumatic shock may begin, which is life-threatening.

To avoid this condition, you need to:

• give the victim 3-4 tablets of analgin or 1-2 tramadol (or another painkiller);
• apply a cold compress to the injury site - ice, snow, etc.

The development of painful shock is facilitated by general cooling of the body, so during the cold season the victim must be covered. Immobilization also helps prevent shock.

74-70-69

Injuries from road traffic accidents are varied and often involve multiple fractures, injuries to the skull and brain, cuts and lacerations to internal organs. The recovery time, and sometimes even life, depends on the provision of first aid. And if the victim is not provided with the necessary assistance before the ambulance arrives, it is sometimes impossible to prevent possible complications and even death. But how to provide this help correctly? The main principle is not to harm, not to inflict further injuries on the victim by your wrong actions.

First of all, it is necessary to find out what kind of injury the person received. If he is conscious, then you can ask the victim himself. If he is unconscious, then before dragging him, you need to feel him to determine how best to help him.

If a person is lying on the roadway, he must be moved to the side of the road or sidewalk to avoid being run over again by other drivers who did not notice the lying person. But you don’t need to carry, but drag the victim. Do not place him on his back, except in cases where the victim requires artificial respiration. The wounded person's head should always be tilted to the side. If the accident occurs in cold weather, do not forget to lay something on the ground so that the cold does not add to the wounds. A wounded person who is unconscious or in a state of shock is not covered (unless there is frost or precipitation), as this will increase blood circulation and the blood supply to some organs may be affected.

If a person involved in an accident needs to be pulled out of the car, then access to it is first cleared (open the doors, if impossible, break out the windows; unfasten or cut the seat belt, free the legs). Then it is removed in the same position in which it is located (as a single unit). And it’s better to do it at least together. Before the ambulance arrives, the victim is removed from the car if he is unconscious or there is bleeding that cannot be stopped in the car, as well as if his life is in danger.

Ask any question to the victim to determine the level of consciousness, while simultaneously fixing his head: thumbs on the back of the head, index fingers on the sides, middle fingers on the corners of the lower jaw, ring fingers on the carotid artery to determine pulsation. It is necessary to apply a cervical collar, since in an accident the cervical spine is most likely to be damaged.

To recognize a state of shock, you need to count your pulse. If, in the presence of a severe injury, the pulse is 110-120 beats per minute, we can assume that the victim is in a state of shock. If a person is unconscious, then it is necessary to check the reaction of the pupil to light, the presence of breathing and heartbeat. In the absence of consciousness, breathing, heartbeat and wide pupil (signs of clinical death), resuscitation measures are carried out.

ABC resuscitation

Actions to revive the victim are called resuscitation and include 3 steps (ABC):

A. Check the patency of the upper respiratory tract.

B. Artificial respiration.

C. Heart massage

If the victim is unconscious, his head should be tilted back and the pulse in the neck should be felt. If the respiratory tract is blocked (vomit, blood, mucus, sand, silt), clean the mouth with gauze or a clean cloth wrapped around a finger. In this case, the head should be turned to the side.

If there is no breathing, the victim must be placed on his back, his head tilted back and the lungs must be ventilated “mouth to mouth” or “mouth to nose”. It is better to perform artificial respiration using the device available in the first aid kit. The frequency of respiratory cycles is 10-14 per minute. While air is being inflated, the victim's chest should rise.

If the pulse in the vessels of the neck is not palpable and the victim’s pupils are dilated, an indirect heart massage is performed simultaneously with inflating the lungs. The victim is placed on his back directly on the ground or board, the person providing assistance kneels on either side of the victim and places his palm on the lower half of the sternum (2 cm above the lower edge of the sternum along the midline). The palm of the other hand, with the hand extended as far as possible (fingers fanned out and not touching the chest), is placed on top of the first and with energetic pushes (40-60 per minute) rhythmically press down on the sternum (towards the spine), using not only the strength of the hands, but also the weight of the body. Arms straight.

Air injection and cardiac massage alternate: 1 injection - 5 pushes. It is better to do this together without a break, until independent breathing appears and cardiac activity is restored. If assistance is provided by one person, then for 2 breaths - 15 pushes. Constriction of the pupils, the appearance of a pulse in the carotid artery, improvement in skin color, spontaneous breathing - all this indicates effective resuscitation.

Bleeding

Injuries in road accidents are often accompanied by bleeding. Bleeding can be internal or external. External bleeding is divided into: venous, arterial, capillary. But the most dangerous thing is arterial - the blood is scarlet, flows out of the wound in a jerky manner or beats out in a pulsating stream under the influence of pressure. As a result, the victim may lose a lot of blood in a short period of time. Venous bleeding - the blood is dark, flows out profusely, but without pulsation. Capillary - damage to small blood vessels, it can occur without compromising the integrity of the skin, when a bruise appears under the skin from a strong blow.

Severe, life-threatening bleeding requires the most immediate treatment - pressing the blood vessel with your fingers to the underlying bone. When bleeding from wounds of the extremities, it is best to apply a tourniquet or twist. A tourniquet is applied only in case of arterial bleeding above the wound with moderate force on a fabric pad; a note indicating the time of its application must be placed under the tourniquet, since it can be kept for no more than 1.5 hours, and in cold or heat this time is reduced to 1 hour, after when tissue necrosis begins, if during this time the wounded person was not taken to the hospital, then the tourniquet is removed. It is possible that the bleeding will not resume. If it continues, then use finger pressure on the artery, and after 10 minutes the tourniquet is applied again, and a second note is added to the first note indicating the time. For twisting, you can use a strong scarf, belt, etc. from scrap materials.

In case of venous bleeding, you can apply a tight pressure bandage to the wound itself and elevate the bleeding area. For any damage to the skin and tissue, it is necessary to treat the edges of the wound and apply a bandage. In this case, do not wash the wound, do not remove foreign bodies, wipe the skin along the edges of the wound with sterile material, moving from the wound to intact skin. Using the same steps, lubricate the skin around the wound with iodine. Cover the wound with sterile material without touching parts of the material adjacent to the wound. Apply a bandage.

If bleeding of internal organs (parenchymal) is suspected, manifested by pale skin, cold sweat, increasing weakness, loss of consciousness, the victim is placed horizontally with raised limbs. You can apply “cold” to the injury site. It is enough to wash small cuts and abrasions with warm water and soap and place a piece of gauze or a handkerchief on the damaged area.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Brain concussion (CBM)

Traumatic brain injuries are the most common cause of death in traffic accidents, so they are considered especially dangerous. In many cases, TBI is difficult to treat and can manifest itself throughout life in the form of fatigue, frequent headaches, and dizziness.

TBIs are divided into closed and open. The latter are the most dangerous, as they can be penetrating when the integrity of the skull bones is broken, and fragments of these bones can damage the brain. In such cases, the most important thing when providing assistance is to ensure complete rest for the victim in a horizontal position and under no circumstances raise his head. You can only fix it in a stationary state with rollers, twisted, for example, from clothing. You cannot remove objects from the wound, and if there is severe bleeding, apply a bandage. But it is best not to touch your head until the doctor arrives.

If the wound is non-penetrating but open, such as a cut to the head, then in such cases the bleeding is rarely severe. Even if the blood flows profusely at first, the bleeding soon stops on its own. In the hospital such a wound will be stitched up and it is quite possible that then there will be no trace left of it.

Closed TBIs are contusions and concussions (CHCs). They should not be taken lightly. How do you know if a head injury is dangerous and should you see a doctor? Anyone who has lost consciousness after an injury should be seen by a doctor, even if the fainting lasted only a few seconds. This is the first sign of BMS, as well as nausea and vomiting.

A person who has lost consciousness after a head injury is best kept completely still, even if they want to get up. And before the ambulance arrives, you should not resort to various means of stimulation, trying to bring the victim to his senses. On the contrary, it is necessary to create rest for him, a comfortable position of the body. The head should be given a slightly elevated position. You can use ammonia by moistening a cotton swab with it and rubbing it over the victim. Until medical workers arrive, you should refrain from taking any other measures to bring the victim out of unconsciousness.

If the victim is conscious, but he is very pale and has a headache, then you can put a “cold” under the head to relieve swelling of the brain tissue and cause a narrowing of the blood vessels (the likelihood of hematoma and hemorrhage is reduced).

Features of TBI in children are manifested in the fact that instead of lethargy or loss of consciousness, the child is in a state of extreme excitement and activity. He needs to be put down and persuaded to calmly wait for the doctor. If you experience a severe headache after some time after hitting your head, be sure to consult a doctor. His advice is also needed if, after a head injury, a person begins to see everything in double images or less clearly. If, after a head injury, a person seems to feel fine, but suddenly drowsiness attacks him and he falls soundly asleep, then these may be signs of internal bleeding. If, after a head injury, bleeding from the nose or ears begins (or the flow of yellowish fluid) - this may be a sign of a fracture of one of the bones of the skull.

Perhaps the head injury will turn out to be harmless and everything will soon pass, but the brain is too important an organ to be allowed to be taken lightly. It is much wiser not to take risks and stay in the hospital for several days if the doctor advises. Two days after the injury, it becomes clear whether the brain is damaged or not.

Other types of injuries. Fractures.

In addition to SHM and TBI, a victim in an accident can receive a variety of injuries. In general, trauma is violent damage to body tissue or an organ. Bruises and wounds of soft tissues, bone fractures are all different types of injuries.

A bruise appears at the site of the injury, to which ice should be applied for 10-15 minutes or a cold, damp compress. Subsequent tight bandaging relieves swelling and reduces bruising. When a person suffers a serious injury, it can be difficult to immediately determine on the spot whether a bone is broken or dislocated. In any case, assistance is necessary.

Dislocation is a displacement of the bones of the joints, which may cause sharp pain, a change in the shape of the joint, and the impossibility of normal movements.

A fracture is a break in the integrity of a bone. There are closed fractures, when the bone is broken but the skin is not damaged, and open fractures, when the fracture is accompanied by a wound. There are fractures with mixing of bone fragments and without displacement.

When the fracture is open, it is difficult to confuse it with a dislocation, but when it is closed, it is quite possible. With a fracture, severe pain is also felt, which intensifies when trying to move. Curvature of the limb may be observed. In any case, it is necessary to create rest for the damaged joint or limb. It is impossible to set dislocations without a doctor. You can apply cold to the joint area and give a pain reliever. In case of a fracture, in order to ensure greater immobility of the damaged limb, a splint is applied, but only after the bleeding has stopped, the edges of the wound have been treated and a dressing has been made. But remember that if there is a fracture or a foreign body in the wound (glass, splinter...), do not apply a pressure bandage.

The splint is applied over clothing and shoes and should ensure the immobility of two joints - one above, the other below the fracture site. For example, in case of a hip fracture, one splint is placed on the inner surface of the limb, and the second on the outside from the armpit to the heel. A long splint is tied to the chest. If the shoulder and forearm are fractured, you should first apply a splint to the forearm, then bend the victim’s arm at a right angle at the elbow joint and apply a splint from the elbow to the fingertips on the palm side, placing a cushion under the palm. Both splints must be taped to the arm. The arm is suspended from a sling over the shoulder (on a scarf, belt...) and pulled to the body with a ribbon, belt, etc. If there is no splint or material at hand, then the injured arm can be tied to the chest with a shirt or towel, and the leg can be tied to the healthy leg.

In case of fractures of the bones of the spine and pelvis, the victim is laid with his back on a hard surface (plywood, wide board, door). For pain in the cervical spine, the head and neck are secured, covering the sides, for example, with clothing.

In life, it may happen that an injured person will be entirely dependent on your help, so try to remember what needs to be done in case of bleeding and fractures, how to provide assistance in case of a concussion or an unconscious person. It is possible that someday this knowledge will help you save someone’s life.

Your goal is to save the life of the victim until medical workers arrive, which means:

1. Carry out resuscitation actions (if required). Stop external bleeding. Apply a bandage to the wound. Give pain medication. Apply a splint (for a fracture).

2. Call an ambulance or any medical professional.

Evacuation (transportation) of the victim

Often minutes decide the fate of a victim on the road. The goal of first aid is to prevent further damage during transport, relieve pain and promptly evacuate the victim to a medical facility.

Depending on the severity of the injury, the following methods are used when transferring the victim:

1. If he can move with outside help, then the person helping him should clasp the victim around the waist with one hand, and with the other take the arm thrown over his shoulder.

2. If the victim cannot move independently (unconscious, in a state of shock, if there is a suspicion of a fracture of the spine, ribs, stomach, bones, etc.). then it is carried by 3-4 people in a horizontal position on a solid base (stretcher, shield board). And only in exceptional cases - in a blanket or in your arms. It is much easier to carry on a special stretcher, which allows you to stop for rest. They are easy to make from scrap materials. To do this, just tie a blanket (cloak-tent, coat) to the poles. Porters should not keep pace as this causes the stretcher to rock. When overcoming uneven terrain, they must ensure that the victim’s body always remains in a horizontal position.

3. With milder injuries and injuries, the victim can be carried in a sitting position by 2 people.

4. In exceptional cases, the victim can be carried by 1 person: in his arms in front of him or by clasping the victim from the back with both hands. But in this case there is a serious danger of complicating the severity of the injury or injury.

If the accident happened near a populated area, do not rush to send the victim in the first available car. As practice shows, improper transportation of a wounded person often ends in the most dire consequences. To save life, it is not so much the speed that is important, but the correct delivery to the hospital. It is necessary to report the incident to a medical institution or the police as quickly as possible. In most cases, it is better to wait for the ambulance doctor to arrive.

Immobilization rules

Immobilization is a set of measures aimed at ensuring the immobility of the injured limb. For this, various tires are used, including those made from handy materials - sticks, boards, rods, etc.

Splinting rules

When applying a splint, you must follow a number of rules:

1. It needs to be applied as early as possible. The fracture is accompanied by swelling, which will not allow splinting to be carried out correctly.
2. The splint is applied after pain relief, and not vice versa.
3. The object is applied on both sides of the damaged limb, fixed with a bandage along the entire length, except for the fracture site.
4. If the femur is fractured, a splint is applied from the armpit to the foot.
5. If the fracture is open, first treat the wound, apply a sterile or clean bandage, and only then begin splinting.
6. The bleeding must be stopped before a splint is applied. If a tourniquet was used, a splint is applied so that it can be removed without disturbing immobilization.
7. The arm is suspended in a sling; if a leg is broken, something soft is placed under it.
8. In the cold season, the injured limb is wrapped in a warm cloth.
9. To control blood circulation, the first phalanges of the fingers are left open.

When transporting a victim to a medical facility, it is necessary to ensure the correct position of the body. If the legs are broken, the patient is transported in the “lying” position, placing a soft cushion under the injured limb. If an arm is broken, transportation while sitting is allowed.

Additionally read:

Skeletal injuries: types

Damage classification

Skull fractures can be divided into two main groups: damage to the base and vault. Also, fractures can be open, when there is damage to the skin and soft tissues, bone fragments are visible in the wound, and closed. Damage to the base area is localized in the anterior, middle or posterior cranial fossa, and can be isolated or combined.

In the area of ​​the cranial vault, fractures vary, namely:

1. Linear or longitudinal fracture. Such damage is diagnosed in most cases. The fracture line resembles a strip; there is no displacement of bone fragments. The damage is considered the least dangerous and does not require surgery in most cases. Sometimes epidural hematomas appear; fragments can damage the vessels of the dura mater, which requires immediate surgical intervention.
2. Perforate injuries are often an open skull fracture and are caused by a sharp object or gunshot wound. They often lead to the death of the victim, since in most cases the brain is damaged. The most severe variant is gunshot injuries; the bullet enters the thickness of the brain, can come out or get stuck in the tissues.
3. Splintered injuries differ from others in the presence of bone fragments and splinters. With this type of fracture, at the site of direct contact, fragments of the cranial vault are mobile, due to which there is a risk of damage to the dura mater, the brain, and hematomas of various locations are formed. When the sinuses become damaged, death is inevitable.

Comminuted skull fracture

1. Depressed injuries are also called compression fractures of the skull. Bone fragments are pressed into the cavity of the skull, in such a situation there is a risk of damage to the dura mater and the brain. The bone is not durable, breaks easily and damages the brain and its membranes.

First aid for a skull fracture

During various accidents, fractures of the skull bones are possible, but at first it is difficult to understand whether the brain is damaged. Therefore, the victim must be taken to the hospital as soon as possible.

The sequence of care for a skull fracture is as follows:

1. To create immobility of the head, use a cotton-gauze bag, a sling-shaped bandage or handy means (clothing, a blanket), forming them into a cushion around the head.
2. If a person is unconscious, empty the oral cavity of vomit and begin resuscitation measures.
3. To normalize heart function, if possible, give an infusion of Corvalol (up to 20 drops).

If the wound is in the back of the head or the victim is unconscious, he must be transported on his side. This position will prevent the development of suffocation due to vomit or retraction of the tongue.

If the victim has a fracture of the nasal bones, he must be transported in a “half-sitting” position. If the jaw is broken - in a sitting position, and for those who have lost consciousness - lying on their stomach. In case of a fracture, the lower jaw is immobilized with a sling-shaped bandage, and if the upper jaw is broken, a ruler or a piece of plywood is inserted between the jaws, which is fixed to the head.

First aid for fractures

Anatomy of the skull

It simply doesn’t make sense to analyze the structure of the skull in detail; it is the most complex bone formation in the human body. The skull consists of the bones of the facial and brain sections, the latter section containing the brain. A distinction is made between a vault and a base, and the structure of the base is more complex, with many holes. The vault consists of:

• frontal;
• parietal, occipital bones (scales);
• scales of the temporal bone.

The base includes the lower part of the frontal bone, which is a plate with internal relief. The sphenoid bone has processes, greater and lesser wings, as well as a body in which the air sinus is located. Behind it is the temporal bone, its components are the stony and scaly parts. The inner ear is located in the stony part; it is named so due to its great strength. Behind is the base of the occipital bone, which includes the foramen magnum, through which the brain passes into the cranial cavity.

The inner base of the skull contains a large number of openings through which cranial nerves, arteries and veins enter and exit. Each formation or foramen is dedicated to each specific formation and is located in the cranial fossae that form the base of the skull. There are three of them: front, middle and rear, they are most clearly presented in the photo.

First aid for pelvic fractures

A fall from a height, an accident or an impact can cause a fracture of the pelvic bone. First aid in this case is provided before the arrival of the emergency medical service team. To do this you need:

1. Take measures to prevent traumatic shock.
2. Place the victim on a hard surface.
3. Give your body a “frog” position. Bend your legs at an angle of 450 at the knees and hip joints, slightly apart to the sides. Place a soft cushion of clothing or blanket under your feet.

If necessary, a person can be transported in the “frog” position to a medical facility.

As is the case with other fractures, it is necessary to monitor physiological indicators, monitor the pulse rate and breathing. You need to talk to the victim, try to calm him down, and if he loses consciousness, turn his head to the side to prevent asphyxia from vomit.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a skull injury are directly related to the severity of the injury and the extent of brain damage. In case of an open injury, there is a wound on the head, and a bone tissue defect is noted by palpation. If there is a linear fracture of the skull, a gap between the bones is palpated in the wound, sometimes it is visible visually. Common symptoms include:

• disturbances of consciousness in the form of loss or coma;
• impaired sensitivity, paresis or paralysis;
• swelling of the brain and membranes;
• nausea, vomiting;
• feeling of fullness, headache due to cerebral edema;
• impaired breathing and circulation due to damage to the brain stem;
• blood and cerebrospinal fluid are released from the nose and ears;
• "spectacles" symptom.

In rare situations, even the most severe injury may not show obvious signs of fracture. Sometimes a short-term loss of consciousness occurs, which alternates with a long period of enlightenment and a relatively satisfactory state.

Diagnosis may be complicated by a possible state of alcohol intoxication. The severity of the injury in such a situation is aggravated, and the clinical picture may be blurred. Diagnostics helps to put a final point on the issue.

Symptoms depending on the location of the fracture

Some characteristic symptoms depend on which cranial fossa the fracture is located in. If there is bone damage in the anterior cranial fossa:

• bleeding from the nose;
• cerebrospinal fluid is released from the nasal passages;
• symptom of “spectacles” or bruises around the eyes.

Subcutaneous hematomas appear a day or three after the injury, this is what differs from a regular injury, where bruises appear almost immediately. When the integrity of the ethmoid bone is damaged, subcutaneous accumulation of air (emphysema) occurs.

Injuries in the middle cranial fossa are the most common, reaching 70% of all cases of skull fractures in children. Such an injury leads to disruption of the integrity of the facial nerve canal when the petrous part of the temporal bone is damaged, and the inner and middle ear suffers.

Symptoms indicating damage to the middle cranial fossa:

• bleeding from the ear;
• sudden hearing loss or development of deafness;
• when the eardrum ruptures, cerebrospinal fluid leaks from the ear;
• streaks of blood behind the ear or in the temple area;
• disturbance of the sense of balance;
• dysfunction of the facial nerve;
• complete or partial loss of the sense of taste.

The symptoms of the posterior cranial fossa are:

• one- or two-sided bruises behind the ear;
• simultaneous damage to the abducens, auditory and facial nerves.

Damage to the bones that make up the posterior cranial fossa sometimes causes pinching or rupture of the nerves extending from the brain stem. Symptoms of irritation or damage to the brain stem appear: paralysis or paresis of the muscles of the tongue, soft palate, and larynx. The functions of many vital organs are often affected.

Complications and consequences of a fracture

When a skull is fractured, the surrounding soft tissues are inevitably damaged, which causes an unfavorable outcome. One can hope for a favorable outcome of the situation only when the fracture is not displaced, the cracks are single, and surgical intervention is not required. A person is able to return to a relatively normal life in the complete absence of purulent complications.

In the event of purulent complications, primarily from the brain (encephalitis, meningitis), rather unpleasant complications can occur. Among them, the most common are:

• disruption of brain function (encephalopathy);
• increased blood pressure that cannot be controlled;
• migraine;
• frequent headaches;
• periodic attacks of epilepsy.

With injuries to the base of the skull, curvature of the spine may occur, especially if the fracture was in the posterior cranial fossa with displacement. Also, the consequences may depend on which cranial fossa there is a fracture. If the anterior one is damaged, the sense of smell is impaired, and the middle one suffers from hearing. In the posterior fossa, a fracture leads to damage to vision or the functioning of the cerebellum.

The result of damage to the bones of the skull can be partial or complete paralysis, depending on the degree of damage to the substance of the brain or spinal cord. The fragments damage the nerves, subsequently affecting the function for which they are responsible. If the vessels are damaged, massive bleeding develops.

Consolidated fractures with displacement in the base area lead to narrowing of the foramina, after which the function of blood vessels and nerves is impaired. The most dangerous fracture is in the foramen magnum, which can cause the brain stem to sever and lead to the death of the patient.

The most serious complication is the death of the victim or brain death. The first option often occurs immediately after injury, the second - during a long stay in an intensive care bed. A person falling into a coma simply does not come out of it; doctors call such a state vegetative, and popularly it is called a “vegetable.”

Recovery

Rehabilitation begins immediately after injury and requires first the efforts of medical personnel and then the patient himself. At first, it becomes important to fight bedsores while the victim is unconscious. This is achieved by turning over in bed every 30 minutes.

After restoration of independent breathing, breathing exercises are indicated. It is carried out to prevent the development of congestive pneumonia. After discharge from the hospital, the participation of several specialists in the rehabilitation of the patient is indicated. Consultations with a neurologist, neurosurgeon and traumatologist are mandatory. Therapeutic gymnastics is indicated, especially if there are paresis and paralysis, as well as massage. Swimming and doing gymnastics in the water are a great help in the recovery of the injured person.

The risk of complications decreases with recovery and depends on the severity of the injury. When all necessary measures are taken, the risk of brain damage is reduced. However, much depends on the force that caused the damage; the greater it is, the more complex the consequences and the longer the treatment should be expected. The golden time is the first hours during which adequate treatment should be prescribed.

Treatment

The measures taken by doctors regarding a fracture of the cranial fossa or other part depend on the established diagnosis and the severity of the general condition. Strict bed rest is indicated, and it is recommended to continue to cool the head with ice packs. Medicines are prescribed to prevent brain damage and swelling.

Conservative method

A similar treatment option is indicated when there is a fracture of the sphenoid bone of the skull without displacement or any other area. Doctors use analgesics (Dexalgin, Xefocam, Revmoxicam, etc.), and the use of neuroprotectors (Acovegin) and vascular drugs (Pentoxifyline) is indicated. Hormonal agents with a decongestant effect and diuretics (Dexamethasone, Trifas, Furosemide, Torsid, etc.) are mandatory drip administered. Additionally, broad-spectrum antibiotics (Ceftriaxone) are administered.

Rehabilitation period

In addition to the therapy, the injured person requires long-term rehabilitation. While the injury is healing, and thereafter for at least 5-6 months, the patient should not engage in any physical exercise or go to the gym. While rehabilitation is taking place, the patient must periodically wear a Shants collar. Among the physiotherapeutic procedures, the doctor may prescribe acupuncture, magnetic therapy, massage and electrophoresis. In addition, the victim may need to contact such specialists as a psychologist and psychiatrist, and sometimes it is necessary to contact a speech therapist.

Diagnosis of damage

After a person is admitted to the hospital, it is recommended to perform an x-ray and always in two projections. It is important to collect anamnesis and information about how the person received the injury. A thorough examination allows you to strengthen your opinion.

A computed tomogram (CT) can complement the clinical signs; it can reveal the condition of the bones. If we are talking about brain damage or the presence of hematomas, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is performed.