Broken Bone
If more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will split or break. A break of any size is called a fracture. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open fracture (compound fracture).
A stress fracture is a break in the bone that develops because of repeated or prolonged forces against the bone. The repeated stress weakens the bone until it finally breaks.
Considerations
It is hard to tell a dislocated joint from a broken bone. However, both are emergency situations, and the basic first aid steps are the same.
Causes
The following are common causes of broken bones:
• Fall from a height
• Trauma
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Direct blow
• Child abuse
• Repetitive forces, such as those caused by running, can cause stress fractures of the foot, ankle, tibia, or hip
Symptoms
Symptoms of a broken bone include:
• A visibly out-of-place or misshapen limb or joint
• Swelling, bruising, or bleeding
• Intense pain
• Numbness and tingling
• Broken skin with bone protruding
• Limited mobility or inability to move a limb
DO NOT
• DO NOT move the person unless the broken bone is stable.
• DO NOT move a person with an injured hip, pelvis, or upper leg unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must move the person, pull the person to safety by his clothes (such as by the shoulders of a shirt, a belt, or pant legs).
• DO NOT move a person who has a possible spine injury.
•DO NOT attempt to straighten a bone or change its position unless blood circulation appears hampered and no medically trained personnel are nearby.
• DO NOT try to reposition a suspected spine injury.
• DO NOT test a bone's ability to move.
Prevention
Take the following steps to reduce your risk of a broken bone:
• Wear protective gear while skiing, biking, roller blading, and participating in contact sports. This includes using a helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards, and shin pads.
• Create a safe home for young children. Place a gate at stairways and keep windows closed.
• Teach children how to be safe and look out for themselves.
• Supervise children carefully. There is no substitute for supervision, no matter how safe the environment or situation appears to be.
• Prevent falls by not standing on chairs, counter tops, or other unstable objects. Remove throw rugs and electrical cords from floor surfaces. Use handrails on staircases and non-skid mats in bathtubs. These steps are especially important for older people.
Alternative Names
Bone - broken; Fracture; Stress fracture; Bone fracture
Patient Instructions
• Femur fracture repair - discharge
• Hip fracture - discharge