What should I do if I have a fracture?

Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

Updated on September 17, 2024

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When a fracture occurs, temporary immobilization is needed to alleviate local pain and prevent further fractures during transfer. If there is an open wound, it should be bandaged and isolated from the external environment to prevent infection. If there are injuries to vital organs, life-saving measures should be administered immediately, followed by treatment of the fracture. Therefore, appropriate immobilization is necessary when a fracture occurs.

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Written by Cheng Bin

Orthopedics

48sec

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How long before a rib fracture stops hurting?

Regarding the question of how long it takes for rib fractures to stop hurting, usually, for patients with rib fractures, the pain gradually subsides after about two weeks. This is because around two weeks is the period when the fracture site reaches the fibrous connection stage, making it relatively stable, which therefore alleviates the pain. For patients with rib fractures in the early stages, if the diagnosis is clear, severe pain can be relieved by orally taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or by receiving pain relief injections. Additionally, it is crucial to closely monitor the vital signs of patients with rib fractures, as rib fractures often occur alongside lung contusions and the accumulation of fluid or air in the chest cavity. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Ying Peng

Orthopedics

40sec

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How long to stay in bed with a rib fracture?

Rib fractures are very common clinically. After a rib fracture, it is necessary to rest in bed, immobilize, and reduce activity, otherwise excessive pulling of the ribs will cause pain. Generally, the bed rest period is about 10-14 days. Generally, after two weeks of treatment, the ribs will form fibrous connections and no longer cause severe pain. After two weeks, appropriate activity out of bed can be resumed. At the same time, oral antibiotics can be taken to prevent infection, as well as medications that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis to enhance the absorption of the hematoma.

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Written by Li Jie

Orthopedics

43sec

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What to eat with a rib fracture

The diet for patients with rib fractures is not much different from that for general fracture patients. It is advisable to eat more high-nutrition, high-protein, low-fat, and easily digestible foods, which can facilitate the healing of fractures. Additionally, consumption of calcium-rich foods, such as eggs, milk, fish, or shrimp shells, can be beneficial. At the same time, taking calcium tablets and vitamin D can also promote the healing of fractures. Furthermore, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is a belief in "like cures like," so for rib fractures, consuming ribs, such as pork ribs, could theoretically help in the healing process according to this theory.

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Written by Li Xin

Pediatric Orthopedics

40sec

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What does a fracture feel like?

The feeling of a fracture, first and foremost, the most important clinical manifestation is pain. Of course, the intensity of the pain is related to the type of fracture. Generally, incomplete fractures or greenstick fractures are not as painful, but if the fracture is displaced, comminuted, or other types, the pain is more pronounced. The second manifestation is swelling; the area of the fracture will show obvious swelling and become quite enlarged. The third is tenderness, which means that touching or pressing on the area will result in noticeable pain. Fourth, there is a significant restriction of movement in the joints adjacent to the fracture site.

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

55sec

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How to care for a patellar fracture

A patellar fracture occurs, the first step is to immobilize the patellofemoral joint. During treatment, the primary goal is to prevent the formation of lower limb thrombosis. Therefore, early on, patients can be actively guided to contract the quadriceps and calf triceps muscles, while also performing dorsiflexion and flexion exercises of the ankle joint to avoid ankle stiffness. As the condition stabilizes, a cushion can be placed under the knee joint to allow for active flexion of the knee. If the fracture has stabilized, the patient can sit at the edge of the bed and let the knee naturally flex downward. If there is difficulty, the healthy limb can be used to help push and squeeze the injured limb to achieve a flexion close to ninety degrees. Patients can also lie in bed, hug their thighs with both hands, and flex the knee joint beyond ninety degrees to enhance this type of knee exercise.