Introduction
A fracture is a break in a bone.
What is fracture?
Fractures are a result of strong force inflicted to the skeletal parts of the body. Fractures vary greatly in size and severity. They can range from a small crack fracture of the hand bone to life-threatening fracture of the neck and pelvic bones.
What are the causes of fracture?
Trauma as result from road traffic accident is the most common cause of fracture. It can also result from certain diseases that weaken the bone such as cancer and osteoporosis.
How can I suspect a fracture?
Common symptoms are :
- Pain
- Swelling of the affected area
- Unable to move the affected parts of the body
What are the complications of a fracture?
Common consequences of fracture of the bone are :
- Nerve injury
- Muscle injury
- Blood vessel injury
- Organ injury
- Blood loss
- Infection to the wound
- Coma
- Death
How can I help the patient?
The injured patients may need to be moved to a safer area. Move the patient carefully to avoid worsening of the injury. If the patient is unconscious, the neck is also assumed to be broken until proven otherwise. Before bringing patients to the hospital, provide emergency first aid if necessary. The public is encouraged to learn first aid to give initial help to the patient before professional medical help is available. The fracture site needs to be immobilized by applying a splint to the fracture site. A splint can be anything that prevents movement of the limbs or affected parts of the body. It can be made from any available object such as newspapers or any straight rigid objects. Bring the patient to the hospital for further management.
What can I do to prevent fracture?
- Avoid any accident
- To prevent injury from motor vehicle accident:
- Always use protective gear during traveling
- Motorcyclist – use a helmet which is securely buckled
- Motorist – use a seat belt
- Children – car seats appropriate to age
- The road users must always comply with road safety regulation such as speed limit and road courtesy.
- Always use protective gear during traveling
Support Groups
www.e-medicine.com
www.trauma.org
| Last Reviewed | : | 23 August 2019 |
| Writer | : | Dr. Muhammad Fadhli Mohd Yusoff |
| Dr. Ahmad Tajuddin Mohamad Nor | ||
| Reviewer | : | Dr. Mohamad Hamim b. Mohamad Hanifah |
