First aid for fractures: basic rules

A fracture is a bone injury that disrupts its integrity. Traumatic fractures are divided into open (there is damage to the skin in the fracture area) and closed (the skin is not broken).

With an open fracture, the injury is beyond doubt. A closed fracture is not so obvious, especially if it is incomplete, when part of the diameter of the bone is broken, often in the form of a crack.

All fractures are characterized by:

sharp pain with any movements and loads;
change in the position and shape of the limb, its shortening;
dysfunction of a limb (impossibility of usual actions or abnormal mobility);
swelling and bruising in the fracture area.

Providing first aid for fractures of the extremities largely determines the outcome of the injury: the speed of healing, the prevention of a number of complications (bleeding, displacement of fragments, shock) and has three goals:

creating immobility of bones in the fracture area (which prevents displacement of fragments and damage to them by the edges of blood vessels, nerves and muscles);
prevention of shock;
prompt delivery of the victim to a medical facility.

First aid for a closed fracture

When providing first aid for a closed fracture, you should immediately contact an ambulance. After this, it is necessary to immobilize the broken limb and, if possible, apply ice or a cold object to the injury site. The person may be given a painkiller. When transporting independently, a splint is applied using available items: board, stick, ski, etc.

In the absence of available means, the injured limb is bandaged to the uninjured one. During transportation, the victim must lie down - the broken limb should be slightly raised.

Treatment of fractures at the MedikCity clinic

If you need emergency and professional help, then contact the paid emergency room of the MedicCity clinic!

We work every day from 9.00 to 21.00. X-rays work for you in the same mode, and we perform MRIs around the clock!

Experienced traumatologists use in their work all the advanced methods of treating fractures, as well as modern, high-quality materials, in particular plastic plaster, which is lightweight, does not deform from water and is comfortable to wear.

Types of modern plastic plaster

One of the easiest is Scotchcast . The patient practically does not feel its weight, and the body breathes in it. Scotch tapes are available in various colors, which slightly “brightens up” not the easiest period in a person’s life. Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that the plaster cannot be exposed to water (it is put on with a special cotton-rag stocking, which serves as a layer between the rough material and the skin), and it can only be removed with the help of a specialist.

Softcast is a bandage made of a very flexible, elastic material, which allows it to be used for sprains and sprains. In cases of fractures, the bandage is worn together with adhesive tape. This plaster is made from fiberglass fabric impregnated with polyurethane resin and is therefore water resistant. In this case, the cast ensures the flow of air to the injured limb.

HM-cast is a synthetic mesh with large cells, made in the shape of a sleeve. It is very light, but you only need to wear it with a special synthetic stocking. This product can be used for water procedures; it is very light in weight and is available in various sizes, which makes it convenient for treating limb fractures of different locations. This cast allows X-ray penetration, allowing specialists to monitor bone healing without removing the cast.

Turbocast is the most common plastic gypsum with high strength. A cotton stocking is not worn under this cast, so you can take water procedures in the turbocast. Another plus is that this material has a working memory, so it can be heated and used repeatedly. A turbocast plaster cast looks aesthetically pleasing and is easy to use (it can be hygienically treated with a soap solution).

In our clinic you can replace the uncomfortable old plaster cast with a modern lightweight turbocast bandage. Follow our promotions! Very often there is a discount on the plaster replacement procedure.

If necessary, the doctor will quickly and professionally install an orthosis for you and remove the Ilizarov apparatus. If you need to remove an Ilizarov apparatus, you can find out the cost of the service by phone.

First aid for an open fracture

Such an injury is extremely dangerous, as the wound can become infected. First aid for an open fracture begins with stopping bleeding using a pressure bandage or tourniquet if significant blood loss is observed. Antiseptic preparations are used to treat the skin around the wound. To transport the victim, it is necessary to carefully apply a splint without touching the wound.

What not to do when immobilized

We have discussed in general terms how to provide first aid to a victim with fractures. Now, let's figure out how not to harm him.

Before immobilization, the victim should be checked for bleeding. If there is bleeding, first of all, you need to stop it.

After immobilization, your powers are over (even if you are a doctor, further work requires specialized conditions of a medical institution). This leads to an important conclusion: there is no need to try to set the bones. Also, do not try to carry the victim until the injured limb is fixed.

Types of fractures

Broken arm

First aid for arm fractures is based on prompt immobilization of the limb, application of a splint and fixation. Severe pain is relieved with painkillers. If pain shock begins to develop, the victim is warmed up and given hot tea. It should be noted that drinking is prohibited if the patient is vomiting or has an abdominal injury. When the symptoms of shock are eliminated, the injured person can be moved.

An open fracture of the arm requires stopping the bleeding using a tourniquet, which is applied above the injury. Antiseptics are used to treat the wound. Having stopped the bleeding and treated the wound, it is necessary to carry out the procedure of fixing the hand.

Attempts to realign bones are strictly prohibited.

Broken leg

First aid for leg fractures involves using a splint to secure the limb. An open injury may bleed, so stop the bleeding using a tourniquet. The wound is treated with antiseptics, and if the victim feels severe pain, anesthetics are used.

Independent attempts to straighten the bone are strictly prohibited.

Spinal fracture

A spinal fracture is a serious injury that threatens the life of the victim. For such a fracture, pain relief must be given very quickly, and the body must be fixed immediately. To move a person, boards, doors, and plywood are used. The head is fixed with a rigid collar made of suitable items.

It is prohibited to sit down, try to stand, pull the limbs, or straighten the spinal column of the victim.

Pelvic fracture

A pelvic fracture can be accompanied by severe complications and internal bleeding, which sometimes result in disability and death. When providing first aid in such cases, you should examine the victim, immobilize him in a supine position (knees should be bent), fix the pelvis, and raise the knees with a roller. In addition, the patient’s condition should be constantly monitored until doctors arrive.

It is forbidden to seat or try to position a patient.

Fractured ribs

When a rib is fractured, internal organs and the cardiovascular system can be damaged, which is very dangerous for the victim. However, a simple fracture of one or two ribs does not require the attention of specialists - the patient recovers on his own. In difficult cases, it is necessary to urgently hospitalize the injured person and provide him with qualified assistance.

This type of fracture requires rest, so it is worth limiting active movements and sports.

Tibia fracture

First aid for lower leg injuries consists of fixing the limb, applying a splint, and administering painkillers to the patient. If there is bleeding, a tourniquet is applied.

Repositioning the bone is strictly prohibited.

Shoulder fracture

A shoulder injury can be complicated by internal hemorrhage, which is extremely dangerous to health. The patient needs immobilization for a fracture using a splint, and he should also be given painkillers. The victim must be moved in a sitting position.

It is forbidden to straighten the shoulder and carry the patient without fixing the limb.

General classification of fractures and their characteristic features

The general classification of fractures is usually based on the degree of rupture (damage) to the bone. First of all, a distinction is made between complete and incomplete fractures, as well as open and closed, with and without displacement of bone fragments. It wouldn’t hurt to immediately voice the general signs on the basis of which a person is preliminarily diagnosed with a fracture:

an arm, leg, spine or pelvis is deformed;
severe pain in the damaged area;
the position of the limb looks unnatural;
hemorrhages and swelling are observed.

The main actions in such a situation are, if possible, to restore the integrity of the bone, stop the bleeding, if any, treat the wound with an antiseptic, immobilize the damaged limb and transport the patient to the trauma department of the hospital on an emergency basis.

First aid

Did you know that...

Next fact

It is very difficult for a person who understands little about medicine to determine whether a blow to the spine led to a fracture or a severe bruise. It is necessary to immediately bring the victim to his senses, preventing him from making sudden movements that could aggravate the condition. Also, those helping should not panic; their movements should be coordinated and firm.

As soon as the patient has returned to a normal psychological state, even the slightest movements of the body should not be allowed . It is necessary to explain to the patient that he should not stand up, sit down, or change his body position to one that is comfortable for him. You should immediately call for medical help, leaving the patient in the same position.

If it is impossible to call a doctor, you should try to assess the severity of the patient:

the patient must be conscious;
he should have a clear pulse;
presence of breathing is required;
The patient must have pain and tenderness in the extremities.

If a patient is diagnosed with all four factors, there is a high probability of a favorable outcome and a fairly rapid recovery. The patient can begin to be transported according to the rules.

In case of a spinal fracture, the patient must be given painkillers. If the slightest movement leads the victim to a state close to painful shock or gives rise to severe pain, there is swelling at the site of the injury, most likely a fracture has definitely occurred. Therefore, if medications are available, you can try to stabilize the patient’s condition.

To do this, the wounded person is given analgesics, for example, novocaine. If the swallowing reflex is normal, the patient can take the tablets orally. If even the slightest problems with breathing and swallowing are observed, taking tablet medications is prohibited. This can lead to dysphagia (abnormal constriction of the larynx), which can cause the patient to choke and die.

You can give and administer medications only if you know their dosages and contraindications.

If the patient is unconscious, he most likely suffered from painful shock and spinal cord injury. Sometimes this occurs due to severe pinching of the nerve root.

If the patient is not breathing and a pulse cannot be felt, it is necessary to immediately resuscitate the victim. Before starting, you should clear your mouth of vomit, if any. After this, artificial respiration must be performed.

The patient needs to pinch his nose and cover his mouth with a thin cloth, the oral cavity remains unclenched.
After this, a deep breath of air is taken and the patient exhales sharply into the oral cavity, the nose is immediately released after exhalation. In this position, the patient will exhale passively.
If the wounded person does not breathe, the action must be repeated.
It is also recommended to perform indirect cardiac massage. It is done in between artificial respiration. To do this, it is better to involve a second assistant.
He should stand at his side, placing his hands side by side on the patient's heart. For a better effect, they can be clasped in your fingers.
The arms are extended at the elbows and straightened to their full length. After this, strong pressure is applied to the chest.
The chest is pressed 3-5 cm, the pressure is intense, usually 1 click per second.
After every 30 presses, artificial inspiration is performed twice.

Attention! If the patient shows no signs of life, the heart should be started in this way before the ambulance arrives. If transportation is carried out independently, this must be done all the way until the wounded person is in the hands of doctors.

Treatment

As you know, there are two methods of treatment - conservative and surgical. The first method is suitable for a closed type of injury, without fragments or significant damage to adjacent areas. The patient is placed in a plaster cast and prescribed a course of medications (painkillers, restoratives, calcium-containing). Depending on the severity of the damage, the time of wearing the cast varies from 3 to 10 weeks.

The presence of fragments or severe open fractures require surgical intervention and reduction. The individual parts of the bone are attached using special knitting needles, bolts and plate-shaped joints. At the final stages, cosmetic stitches are applied and a rehabilitation course is developed.

Rehabilitation

Includes:

physiotherapeutic procedures - magnetic therapy, laser, light and ultrasound irradiation, as well as electrophoresis;
gymnastics – gradual development of the arm, selection of a set of exercises, daily increase in load under the supervision of a rehabilitation physician;
massages - to improve blood flow, restore muscle and ligament fibers.

Additionally attributed: mud baths, paraffin therapy, compresses, soaking in sea salt or decoctions of medicinal herbs.

Prices for services

Removing the plaster cast (splint) 660a
Treatment of open fracture site 825a
Removing the cellocast bandage 860a
Application of an immobilization bandage for bone fractures 1320a
Strengthening and correction of plaster, cellocast, turbocast bandages 1320a
Application of a Turbocast (Orthosis) bandage without the cost of material 1320a
Application of an immobilization bandage for spinal fractures 1760a
Application of a small plaster cast (for injuries of the hand and foot) 2200a
Closed manual reduction for fractures of small tubular bones 2640a
Application of a medium plaster cast (for injuries to the bones of the forearm, radial joint) 3520a
Application of a small cellocast bandage (for injuries of the hand and foot) 3850a
Closed manual reduction for long bone fractures 4620a
Application of a large plaster cast (for injuries of the shoulder, shoulder joint, knee joint) 5280a
Application of a Turbocast bandage (Orthosis) for hand injuries 5390a
Application of a medium cellocast bandage (for injuries of the forearm, lower leg) 6050a
Application of a Turbocast bandage (Orthosis) for foot injuries 6160a
Application of a large cellocast bandage (for injuries of the shoulder, knee joint) 7700a
Application of a Turbocast bandage (Orthosis) on the wrist 14190a
Application of a Turbocast bandage (Orthosis) to the ankle joint 19690a
Application of a Turbocast bandage (Orthosis) to the elbow joint, knee joint 21890a
Primary appointment (examination, consultation) with a traumatologist-orthopedist 1210a

The information and prices presented on the website are for reference only and do not constitute a public offer.

Classification

Bone damage comes in different forms, in different locations, and varies in severity. Modern medicine distinguishes the following categories:

Type of fracture – closed, open (without or with a rupture of the skin, respectively).
Location - on the bone itself (diaphyseal), near its end (metaphyseal) and at the very end (epiphyseal).
Shape – longitudinal, transverse, screw-shaped, star-shaped, V- and T-shaped, crushed and splintered.
The number of affected areas is one (only one bone is affected, which means an isolated type), two or more (multiple type).
Fragments - cause displacement or not. The displacement itself also differs in its width, length and angle of inclination (it can be primary, if it occurs from a heavy load, and secondary, if caused by a muscle reaction).

Transportation of a victim with a spinal fracture

The main danger of this type of injury is the high probability of displacement of the damaged area of the spinal column and the resulting fragments. Such a displacement worsens the patient’s condition several times and can disrupt the integrity of the spinal cord. Until the diagnosis is confirmed or proven, the patient must remain as calm and motionless as possible.

If the patient needs to be carried to a vehicle or brought into the hospital building, you should use the following mandatory tips :

The stretcher must be carried by at least three people to ensure minimal trauma; the stretcher must be carried by five assistants;
it is important that the patient is on the most flat surface possible, so that no part of the body bends or rises, this will eliminate additional violations;
if the stretcher has a soft surface, the victim is placed on his stomach;
if a rigid stretcher is used, the patient is placed on his back;
if it is possible to use bandages, cardboard or ropes, you can make a corset from them to fix the neck and use them to secure the arms and legs, this will reduce the patient’s mobility;
if there are no materials at hand to fix the neck, an assistant must hold it, and the head should not be allowed to turn;
It is necessary to shift the patient at the same time, clearly coordinating the actions of the assistants.

Pay attention to how to properly transport a victim with a spinal fracture

Find out what to do for other spinal injuries:

What is Atlanta subluxation and what are the consequences of the injury?
The consequences and treatment of a spinal bruise in the coccyx area are described in the following article
Symptoms and methods for diagnosing a coccyx fracture can be found on the page
Find out how to distinguish a sacral bruise from a fracture, to do this, follow this link