Fractures: Types, First-aid, Treatment

A fall too hard and you might just end up with a fracture. Heres a low-down on those awfully painful fractures.

Bones are rigid, but they do bend when force is applied; so just as a plastic ruler breaks after being bent too far, when there is high impact the bone could too.

What is a fracture?
A fracture is a complete or partial breakage of the bone on account of stress or high impact forces. People suffering from certain medical conditions like osteoporosis and bone cancer are more prone to bone fractures.

Types of fractures:
All fractures can be broadly classified into simple and compound fractures. A simple fracture is one where the skin remains intact. A compound fracture on the other hand, also involves open wounds. Since open injuries are prone to infection, compound fractures are more severe and are susceptible to infection.

Fractures are further classified as:

Compression fractures: these usually occur in the vertebrae Complete fracture: where bone fragments separate completely Incomplete fracture: here, bone fragments are still partially joined Linear fracture: where the discontinuity in the bone is parallel to the bones long axis Transverse fracture: the fracture is perpendicular to the bones long axis Spiral fracture: a fracture where at least one part of the bone has been twisted.

At times, fractures are also classified anatomically specifying the body part.

Why do fractures hurt so much?

Though bones do not have sensory receptors, fractures are typically painful on account of reasons such as internal bleeding in nearby soft tissues, muscle spasms trying to hold bone fragments in place and damage to adjacent structures such as nerves or vessels.

Cautionary advice in case of fractures:

Because fractures are very painful and make it difficult, if not impossible, to use that injured part of the body, most people call a doctor soon. However, in some cases, a person can use a fractured arm or leg. So, just because you can do that does not mean that you do not have a fracture. If you think a bone may be broken, seek medical help immediately. A medical examination and x-rays are usually necessary to tell for sure and to ensure proper treatment.

Treating a fracture:
All forms of treatment of broken bones follow one basic rule: the broken pieces must be put back in place and prevented from moving out of place until they are healed. Fractures are typically treated by realigning the bone and immobilising the injured bone by placing it in a cast for at least 8 weeks. Internal correction is required in case of more severe fractures and may thus involve the use of rods, screws and pins to ensure accurate realignment of the bone. Immobilisation ensures optimum internal growth as the bone heals; and taking calcium supplements along with other prescribed medication allows the patient a measure of relief. After the bones regrowth, the treatment extends to physiotherapy sessions to help strengthen the bone.

First-aid guide for fractures:

First and foremost, moving a broken or dislocated bone can cause additional damage to the bone, surrounding nerves, tissues and blood vessels. So, restrict movement and keep it as still as possible.

Ensure that the injured person is not in a state of shock, and use a splint to immobilise the bone till appropriate medical attention can be provided. If there is an open wound, it should be covered by a clean cloth or bandage on the way to further medical treatment. Keep the injured body part elevated, as it helps reduce bleeding and swelling.