DESCRIPTION
A fracture is a complete or incomplete break in a bone, caused from excessive force. There are several types of fractures including Simple, where there is only one break in the bone, Compound, where the bone penetrates through the skin, Complete when there is one crack that breaks through the whole bone and incomplete when the cracks do not completely divide the bone.
Fractures are caused when there is more force applied on the bone than what it can structurally withstand. Because bones are what allow our bodies to stand upright, and they support us, when a bone is fractured, depending on the location and severity of the injury they can cause mobilisation of that limb and/or body part.
Because there are so many different variations of fractures, such as hairline, compound, simple, Avulsion, greenstick and open, treatment is vastly different for each.
Do you need help with a fracture?
POSSIBLE CAUSES
Fractures can be caused by many things, such as:
- Sporting incidents, where immense force is applied to a part of the body
- Car or other similar incidents
- Conditions such as osteoporosis and some types of cancer
Existing conditions can affect bone conditions, making them weaker and more susceptible to fractures. Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become deficient of calcium or vitamin D, causing weakness in the bone tissue.Because the bone tissue is far weaker, it becomes far easier for a fracture to occur.
Throughout contact sport, force is always applied to bones and the body. In sports such as Australian rules football and rugby, tackling can cause irregular landings on the ground, which can cause enough force to break a bone. Hardwood sports such as netball and basketball also show high numbers of fractures, because the playing surface. The wood court can cause fractures upon forceful impact, causing fractures.
MANAGEMENT
It is important with fractures to use appropriate first aid management. Movement of the bone can cause further damage and pain to the casualty, so it is important to keep it still. Imobilising the injury by using a splint will help in the recovery process, and reduce pain. Controlling any bleeding caused by immediate skin rupture is also important.
First you should:
•DRSABCD if the patient is unconscious, but ensure that the limb is not moved unless there is immediate danger to the casualty.
•Control bleeding, as to stop heavy blood-loss. If the bone is piercing the skin, apply pressure to the edge of the wounds around the bone.
•Cover the wound with a clean dressing once blood has been controlled.
•Do not attempt to straighten bones that are out of place.
•If the fracture is on a limb, comfort the patient by placing a pillow or something similar underneath, carefully as to not move the limb too much and cause pain.
•Use an item such as a straight piece of wood or a pole to splint and immobilise the limb, splinting it above and below to stabilise.
•A sling can be used to support the arm or collarbone rather than a splint.
•RICER acronym if possible
•do not allow the person to eat, incase surgery is required.
•In an emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
REHABILITATION
A fracture, or broken bone, is known to usually heal within a time period of six weeks. The goal of rehabilitation of patients that have fractures is to ensure they are able to get back to functioning normally as they would've before the injury occurred.
The time it takes for the fracture to heal and what type of rehabilitation should be used are related to the area of the body that has been injured and how severe the injury was. The rehabilitation process involves the patient being able to completely restore full strength, motion and endurance and being able to complete necessary tasks of everyday life easily.
Patients will be recommended to see a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist to assist or oversee them with their rehabilitation process by giving them a program that includes forms of exercise to help rebuild muscle and strength in the injured area. This then allows the patient to get back to a normal, healthy state as they were before the injury so they can continue on with their life.
PREVENTION
Often a fracture will occur suddenly and unexpectedly such as in a sport match or a fall. Fractures sometimes occur when the bone is so fragile and thin that they break very easily. Ways to prevent fragile bones include exercising several times a week and consuming adequate suitable amounts of calcium and Vitamin D.
Exercising in ways including walking, dancing, hiking, bike riding, swimming and even gardening can all help to build up muscles and reduce the risk of falling but improving the individual’s balance, flexibility and strength. Also a proper warm up before intense physical activity always doing a warm down afterwards are good for the body. Also, avoiding smoking, limiting the amount of alcohol consumed and limiting caffeine all help to prevent any fractures by improving the lifestyle of the individual, which will then impact on their physical health.
There are many sports that a fracture can often occur in. The list below shows just some of the sports that fractures can occur in but however are not limited to these.
These sports include:
- Long-distance running – these athletes often suffer from stress fractures in their foot.
- Rugby and football – fractures are the most common in these contact sports and athletes can suffer fractured, wrists, hands, collarbones, foot and ankle.
- Cricket bowlers and gymnasts – these athletes can suffer from lumbar spine stress fractures in their backs.
- Tennis and Basketball – Stress fractures in the lower leg, thigh and hip.
- Long jump, high jump or triple jump – ankle fractures that occur when jumping.