Fracture Management
A fracture is a condition which changes the outline in the bone. Diagnosis is done by physical examination by recognizing the patient's signs and symptoms.
First Aid Treatment
The following steps have to be undertaken if the person is suspected to have a fracture.
- Avoid unnecessary movement that can arise out of fear and anxiety.
- Closely look and examine the patient of other injuries and make a call for medical help. Then hand over the patient for further treatment.
- Any break in the surface of the skin can be rinsed to take out visible dirt or other contamination. Therefore, avoid scrubbing the wound or vigorous flushing.
- Immobilization can be done to broken bone with splint or string. Usage of newspaper rolls or strips of wood can be done. It is necessary to immobilize the portion both above and below the injured bone.
- Application of Ice packs to minimize the pain and swelling.
How is a bone fracture treated?
- Cast Immobilization Depending on the fracture union, cast is applied for minimum of 8 weeks once the broken bones are aligned.
- Traction Alignment of the bones is done either in the form of skin or skeletal traction.
- External Fixation Pins are positioned into the broken bone above or below fracture area. These pins are attached to a metal bars in the outer portion of the skin. It is applied when the skin and other soft tissues around the fracture are badly damaged, until definitive surgery is planned.
- Closed Reduction and Internal Fixation - Without opening the fracture site, Fractures are manipulated and aligned. They are then fixed them with intramedullary nails, screws & wires.
- Open Reduction and Internal Fixation - By opening the fracture site, Fractures are manipulated and aligned and fixed with plates and screws, wires.
Visit Dr. Naveen Palla best orthopedic surgeon in Vizag for fracture treatment