- How to immobilize the affected limb
- 1. In closed fracture
- 2. In open fracture
- When you suspect a fracture
In case of suspected fracture, which is when the bone breaks causing pain, inability to move, swelling and, sometimes, deformity, it is very important to remain calm, observe if there are other more serious injuries, such as bleeding, and call the emergency mobile service (SAMU 192).
Then, it is possible to provide first aid to the victim, who must follow the following steps:
- Keep the affected limb at rest, in a natural and comfortable position; Immobilize the joints above and below the lesion, using splints, as shown in the images. If there are no splints available, it is possible to improvise with pieces of cardboard, magazines or folded newspapers or pieces of wood, which must be padded with clean cloths and tied around the joint; Never try to straighten a fracture or put the bone in place; in case of open fracture, the wound should be covered, preferably with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If there is heavy bleeding, it is necessary to apply compression above the fractured region to try to prevent the blood from flowing out. Find out more details of first aid in case of open fracture; Wait for medical assistance. If this is not possible, it is recommended to take the victim to the nearest emergency room.
The fracture occurs when the bone breaks due to some impact greater than the bone can withstand. With aging and with certain bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, the risk of fractures increases, and may arise even with minor movements or impacts, requiring greater care to avoid accidents. Find out what are the best treatments and exercises to strengthen bones and prevent fractures.
How to immobilize the affected limb
The immobilization of the fractured limb is very important to try to avoid worsening the fracture and to ensure that the tissues continue to be correctly perfused with blood. Thus, to make the immobilization one must:
1. In closed fracture
A closed fracture is one in which the bone broke, but the skin is closed, preventing the bone from being observed. In these cases, a splint should be placed on each side of the fracture and bandaged from the beginning to the end of the splints, as shown in the image. Ideally, splints should pass above and below the joints near the site.
2. In open fracture
In the open fracture, the bone is exposed and, therefore, the bandage should not be covered with the bandage at the moment of immobilization, since besides making the pain worse, it also favors the entry of microorganisms into the wound.
In these cases, a splint must be placed behind the affected area and then, with a bandage, tie it above and below the fracture, leaving it exposed.
When you suspect a fracture
A fracture should be suspected whenever an impact on a limb occurs, accompanied by symptoms such as:
- Severe pain; Swelling or deformation; Formation of a purplish area; Crackling sounds when moving or inability to move the limb; Shortening of the affected limb.
If the fracture is exposed, it is possible to visualize the bone outside the skin, with intense bleeding being common. Learn to identify the main fracture symptoms.
The fracture is confirmed by the doctor after physical evaluation and an x-ray of the affected person, and then the orthopedist can indicate the most recommended treatment, which involves the repositioning of the bone, immobilization with splints and plasters or, in some cases. cases, performing surgery.
