A fracture is any break in the continuity of a bone. Fractures can cause total disability in some cases death. They can most often be treated so there is complete recovery. A great deal also depends upon the first aid the individual receives before he is moved. The first aid includes immobilizing the fractured part in addition to applying lifesaving measures.

There are two kinds of fractures:

1. Closed fracture: The closed fracture is a broken bone which does not break the overlying skin. Tissue beneath the skin may be damaged. A dislocation is when a joint, such as a knee, ankle, or shoulder, is not in proper position. Sprain is when the connecting tissues of the joints have been torn.

2. Open fracture: The open fracture is a broken bone that breaks the overlying skin. The broken bone may come through the skin, or a missile such as a bullet or shell fragment may go through the flesh and break the bone. An open fracture is contaminated and subject to infection

Symptoms of fractures:

Indications of a fracture are deformity, tenderness, and swelling, pain inability to move the injured part, or discolored skin at the injury site. A sharp pain when the individual attempts to move the part is also a sign of a fracture. The casualty to move the injured part in order to identify a fracture since such movement could cause further damage to surrounding tissues and promote shock. You are not sure whether a bone is fractured; treat the injury as a fracture.

Immobilizing fractures:

Fracture is immobilized to prevent the sharp edges of the bone from moving and cutting tissue, muscle, blood vessels, and nerves. It reduces pain and helps prevent or control shock. In a closed fracture immobilization keeps bone fragments from causing an open wound and prevents contamination and possible infection.

Shoulder fracture:

We should direct all bandaging support to the top of the casualty's head, not to the back of his neck. If incorrectly placed, the bandage will pull the casualty's jaw back and interfere with his breathing. Casualties with lower jaw (mandible) fractures cannot be laid flat on their backs because facial muscles will relax and may cause an airway obstruction.

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