bone trauma

Fracture: it is the loss of continuity in the bone. It is important to take into account some factors:

Symptoms of fractures:

Pain that increases with mobilization of the area.
Deformity, blurring, (depending on the degree of deviation of the fragments), shortening, etc.
Inflammation and bruising.
Acute functional impotence.

Complications:

Possibility of injury to adjacent soft tissues: blood vessels, nerves, etc.
Hemorrhage and shock, due to injury to the vessels.
Infection (open fractures) from the wound.

Pay close attention: Older people often fall to the ground without apparent cause. It should always be suspected that the existence of a fracture of the pelvis (hip) or femur is the cause of the fall. Therefore, before incorporating it immediately, we must ensure the existence of said injury. Sometimes, its symptoms are diffuse, and pain may appear in the knee, groin, or there is simply no initial pain. The fracture is detected by pain on deep palpation of the gluteus.

First aid in case of fractures:

DO NOT mobilize the injured person if it is not absolutely necessary (risk of fire, etc.) to avoid aggravating the fracture.
Remove rings, bracelets and watches (if the upper extremity is affected).
Explore distal mobility, sensation and pulse.
Immobilize the focus of the fracture (without reducing it), including the adjacent joints, with rigid splints, always avoiding sudden movements of the affected area or moving it, if necessary, en bloc and under traction.
Transfer to a health center for definitive treatment, with the extremities elevated (if they have been affected), once immobilized.
Cover the wound with sterile dressings in the case of open fractures, before immobilizing it and stopping bleeding (if applicable).

Go back