FRACTURE

o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

The medical term for a broken bone

Can occur in any part of the body
A crack is also known as a fracture
Occur when the physical force exerted on the bone is stronger than the bone
itself
is a broken bone.
It can go from a meager split to a complete break.
A bone can fracture crosswise, lengthwise, in several places, or into many
pieces.
Typically, a bone becomes fractured when it is impacted by more force or
pressure than it can support.

CLASSIFICATION:
1. OPEN FRACTURE
Ends of the broken bone tear the skin
When the bone and skin are exposed. (they are at risk of infection)
Also called a COMPOUND FRACTURE
2. CLOSED FRACTURE
When the bone breaks but there is no puncture or open wound in the
skin
Also called a SIMPLE FRACTURE
3. COMPLETE FRACTURE
Bone fracture in which the bone is split completely across

TYPES OF COMPLETE FRACTURE:

o NON-DISPLACED FRACTURE: the bone is broken
into pieces that can be aligned in place
o DISPLACED FRACTURE: the bone is broken into
pieces that dont align
o HAIRLINE FRACTURE: the bone is broken in a thin
crack
o SINGLE FRACTURE: the bone is broken only in one
place
o COMPRESSION FRACTURE: the bone is crushed,
causing the broken bone to be wider or flatter in
apperance.
o COMMINUTED FRACTURE: the bone is crushed or
broken into 3 or more pieces
o SEGMENTAL FRACTURE: the bone is broken into 2
places, which leaves atleast 1 bone segment floating and
unattached
4. INCOMPLETE FRACTURES
A fracture extending partly across the bone

 Types of incomplete Fractures:

o GREENSTICK FRACTURE: the bone is broken on one
side, while the other side is bent
o BUCKLE OR TORUS FRACTURE: the bone is broken
on one, and this causes a bump or raised buckle on the
other side
CAUSES
Car accidents
Falls
Low bone density
Osteoporosis
Overuse
(ex: sports injury)
SYMPTOMS

Pain
Bruising
Deformity
Swelling and tenderness around the injury
Discolored skin around the affected area
Angulation- the affected area may be bent at an unusual angle
The patient is unable to put weight on the injured area
The patient cannot move the affected area
The affected bone or joint may have a grating sensation
If it is an open fracture there may be bleeding

When a large bone is affected (such as the pelvis or femur)

the sufferer may look pale and clammy
there may be dizziness
feelings of sickness and nausea
Treatment and first aid
STOP ANY BLEEDING
- Apply pressure to the wound with sterile bandage, a clean cloth or a clean
piece of clothing/
IMMOBILIZE THE INJURED AREA
-Dont try to realign the bone or push a bone thats sticking back in.
-If youve been trained in how to SPLINT (a devise used to immobilize a
body part), apply splint to the area above and below the fractured site.
IMMOBILIZATION
-As soon as the bones are aligned they must stay aligned whille they heal
This may include:
1. Cast and Splints
2. Slings

3. Braces
4. Collars
5. Traction
APPLY ICE PACKS TO LIMIT SWELLING AND HELP RELIEVE
PAIN
-Dont apply ice directly to the skin. Wrap the ice into a piece of towel,
cloth, or some other material.
TREAT FOR SHOCK
-If the person feels faint or shortness of breath, lay the person down with the
head slightly lower than the trunk, and if possible, elevate the legs.
Call for Emergency help if:
The person is unresponsive, isn't breathing, or isn't moving. Begin CPR if
theres no breathing or heart beat.
There is heavy bleeding.
Even gentle pressure or movement causes pain.
The limb or joint appears deformed.
The bone has pierced the skin.
The extremity of injured arm or leg, such as toe or finger, is numb or bluish
at the tip.
You suspect a bone is broken in the neck, head, or back.
Surgery
If there was damage to the skin and soft tissue around the affected bone of joint ,
plastic surgery may be required.
Ultrasound therapy
Bone graft
Stem cell therapy