How to identify and first aid limb fractures

Limb fractures are one of the most common emergencies in life. Timely identification and correct first aid are crucial to preventing further injury and promoting recovery. This article will detail how to identify the symptoms and first aid methods of limb fractures.

Identification of limb fractures

1.1 Definition of fracture

A fracture is a break in the integrity or continuity of a bone. Depending on the degree and type of fracture, it can be divided into complete fractures and incomplete fractures, open fractures and closed fractures, etc.

1.2 Common causes of limb fractures

Common causes of limb fractures include:

Falls or injuries: especially during sports or in the elderly due to osteoporosis.

Traffic accidents: High-energy trauma such as car or motorcycle accidents.

Direct blow: such as being hit by a heavy object.

Overuse: Long-term, repetitive, high-impact exercise can lead to stress fractures.

1.3 Symptoms of limb fractures

Recognizing the symptoms of a limb fracture can help you get emergency treatment right away. Common symptoms include:

Pain: Severe pain may occur at the fracture site, especially when moving.

Swelling and bruising: The injured area will swell quickly and bruising may occur.

Deformity: There may be a noticeable deformity or abnormal angle at the fracture site.

Functional impairment: The injured limb has difficulty moving normally.

Abnormal motion: Abnormal motion occurs in non-joint areas.

Crepitus or sensation: Sometimes you can feel or hear the sound of bones rubbing against each other.

1.4 Special symptoms of open fractures

An open fracture is when a bone breaks through the skin, forming an open wound. This is more serious and prone to infection, so special attention should be paid.

Second, first aid measures for limb fractures

2.1 Basic principles of first aid for fractures

The basic principles of first aid for fractures are: fixation, pain relief, and prevention of further injury. The specific steps are as follows:

2.1.1 Stay calm and comfort the injured

When encountering a fracture, the first thing to do is to remain calm and comfort the injured person to avoid excessive tension and strenuous activity.

2.1.2 Avoid moving the injured

If you don't have professional help, try not to move the person, especially if you suspect a spinal injury. If you must move the person, try to stabilize the fracture.

2.2 Fixation of fracture site

2.2.1 Making a simple splint

Fixing the fracture site is a key step to prevent further damage. You can use hard objects such as wooden boards and books as temporary splints. The length of the splint should exceed the upper and lower joints of the fracture site.

2.2.2 Fixation method

Broken arm: You can use clothing, bandages, etc. to fix the injured arm to one side of the body, and the elbow joint should be bent at 90 degrees.

Broken leg: Use a splint to fix the broken leg, and use a bandage or cloth strip to tie the splint firmly to the leg, but not too tight to avoid affecting blood circulation.

2.3 Pain relief and swelling reduction

2.3.1 Ice

Apply ice to reduce swelling and pain. Wrap an ice pack or cold water bottle in a towel and apply it to the fracture for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Avoid placing the ice pack in direct contact with your skin to avoid frostbite.

2.3.2 Elevate the affected limb

Elevating the fractured limb can help reduce swelling. When elevating, it is important to immobilize and support it to prevent movement.

2.4 Management of open fractures

2.4.1 Hemostasis

If an open fracture occurs and there is bleeding, stop the bleeding first. Apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or gauze, avoiding direct contact with the bone at the site of the injury.

2.4.2 Covering the wound

Cover the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth to prevent infection. Do not try to reposition or push the bone back into the wound.

2.4.3 Emergency treatment

Call emergency services immediately and send the injured to the hospital for professional treatment as soon as possible.

3. First aid precautions in special circumstances

3.1 Fractures in children

Children's bones are relatively soft, and fractures may present as "greenstick fractures", where the bone is partially broken but still partially connected. When giving first aid, it is also important to keep the bones stationary and avoid moving them, and seek medical treatment promptly.

3.2 Fractures in the elderly

Elderly people have osteoporosis and are more likely to develop complications after fractures. Be especially careful when performing first aid to avoid secondary injuries to other parts of the body.

3.3 Multiple fractures

When encountering multiple fractures, give priority to treating the bleeding and open fracture sites, and send to the doctor as soon as possible after fixation.

4. Subsequent treatment of limb fractures

4.1 Hospital examination and treatment

4.1.1 Imaging examination

The hospital will use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT or MRI to confirm the specific circumstances of the fracture and develop a treatment plan.

4.1.2 Bone setting and fixation

For simple fractures, doctors may manipulate the bone into place and then immobilize it with a cast or splint. For complex fractures, surgery may be needed to stabilize the fracture with internal fixation (plates, screws) or an external fixator.

4.2 Rehabilitation

4.2.1 Functional training

After the fracture heals, proper functional exercise can help restore limb function. Rehabilitation training should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor or professional rehabilitation therapist, and the amount of activity should be gradually increased.

4.2.2 Physical therapy

Physical therapy such as ultrasound and heat therapy can promote blood circulation at the fracture site and accelerate the recovery process.

4.3 Nutritional support

Good nutrition helps fracture healing. The diet should ensure adequate intake of protein, calcium and vitamin D, such as milk, beans, fish, nuts, etc.

Conclusion

Although limb fractures are common, correct identification and first aid can effectively prevent further damage and promote rapid recovery. I hope this article can help readers master the relevant knowledge and provide timely and correct first aid when encountering limb fractures, so as to protect the health and safety of themselves and others.

Author: Li Qihua, Jiangmen Xinhui Economic Development Zone Hospital