Fractures Definition A bone fracture is a break

Fractures Definition A bone fracture is a break in a bone into fragments.

Types of fractures Fractures are divided into two types depending on whether or not they break through the skin. A-Closed fractures. B-Open (compound

A-Closed fractures. This is when the bone doesn't damage the skin. B-Open (compound) fractures The broken end of the bone breaks through the skin and may stick out.

The fracture may also be classed depending on the structure of the break and what caused it. 1 -Simple fracture. This is when the injury causes a single crack across the bone. 2 -Complex fracture. These are also called spiral fractures due to their shape. They are caused by a twisting movement. Fractures in long bones, such as (femur) are often spiral fractures. .

3 -Hairline fracture. This is when the bone is only partially fractured. These fractures can be difficult to detect on X-rays. 4 -Greenstick fracture. This is when the bone buckles and splits on one side, but just bends on the other. These usually occur in children, as their bones are softer.

5 -Comminuted fracture. In this type of fracture, the bone breaks into several fragments. This is more common after a serious accident. 6 -Impacted fracture. This is when one of the bone fragments is driven into another after they separate.

7 -Stress fracture. This is when small repeated stresses and strains build up and eventually break one of the bones. These may be difficult to pick up on X -rays. 8 -Avulsion fracture. This happens when one of the muscles or ligaments pulls on a bone and causes a piece to break off.

9 -Pathological fracture. This is a fracture that develops when a tumor or a disease such as osteomalacia weakens the bone. 10 -Fragility fracture. These are common after middle age, when the bone density can decrease due to osteoporosis and a minor trauma, such as falling from standing height, can cause the bone to fracture.

Symptoms of fractures At the site of the fracture, you may also notice: 1. Swelling. 2. Bruising. 3. The bone sticking out or bending. 4. A grating feeling or sound. 5. May also become pale and clammy, and feel sick or light-headed due to the pain.

Complications of fractures Fractures can sometimes cause a number of additional problems. The fracture may damage surrounding structures, such as the nerves or a blood vessel. The fracture may become infected. This is more common if you have an open fracture or if you need surgery to fix it. If the fracture becomes infected, it may take longer to heal and there is a chance that the bone will become infected. This is called osteomyelitis.

Treatment Options 1 -Immobilization using a cast or splint. 2 - Setting of bone through surgery. Advantages of surgery include early mobility of injured bone and some use of the injured bone within weeks rather than months.

Nursing care for patient treated by splint or cast? 1 -After you have adjusted to the splint or cast for a few days, it is important to keep it in good condition. 2 - Keep the splint or cast dry. Moisture weakens plaster.

3 -Do not walk on a "walking cast" until it is completely dry and hard. 4 - Keep dirt, sand, and powder away from the inside of the splint or cast. 4 -Do not pull out the padding from the splint or cast. Inspect the skin around the cast