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 Li Jie

Orthopedics

43sec

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How to care for a rib fracture

For a rib fracture, first, the patient should pay attention to rest. Local effective and secure external fixation should be done. You can tie a chest band or a rib fixation band on the affected area to stabilize the fracture, which can effectively relieve pain and is beneficial for the healing and growth of the fracture. Then, in terms of diet, it is important to consume high-protein, high-energy, high-nutrient, low-fat, and easily digestible food, such as fish, milk, eggs, lean meat, shrimp shells, and some fresh vegetables. These foods are rich in nutrients and also contain a lot of calcium, which helps the healing of fractures. This is the method of recuperation for a rib fracture.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

1min 25sec

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Nasal bone fracture, nasal septum fracture, what kind of injury is this?

What type of injury is a nasal bone fracture and a nasal septum fracture? According to the forensic appraisal regulations concerning the nasal area, there are three situations that can be identified as minor injuries and two situations that can be identified as slight injuries. The three situations for minor injuries are: first, comminuted fracture of the nasal bone; second, linear fracture of the nasal bone where the displacement is very obvious; third, nasal trauma that significantly changes the appearance and function of the nose, which can be identified as a minor injury. The two situations for slight injuries are: first, a simple, nondisplaced nasal bone fracture; second, nasal bleeding after trauma. Therefore, if a nasal bone fracture is combined with a nasal septum fracture, it should be a comminuted fracture and can be identified as a minor injury. If it is solely a nasal septum fracture, it depends on whether it is a comminuted fracture or whether the displacement is obvious. Additionally, the impact of the nasal septum fracture on nasal function must also be considered. Thus, nasal bone fractures and nasal septum fractures require specific analysis based on the details of the injury to determine the type of harm. A slight injury can definitely be determined, but whether it qualifies as a minor injury depends on the specific circumstances.

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Written by Zhang Ying Peng

Orthopedics

34sec

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How to exercise for fracture recovery

After the fracture heals, rehabilitation exercises can reduce pain and shorten the healing time of the fracture. The main rehabilitation training methods include physiotherapy such as hot compresses, massage of the fracture site, acupuncture, electrotherapy, and exercises like muscle training of the fracture site, isometric contraction, isotonic contraction, etc. Once the fracture reaches relative stability, further activities like getting out of bed and non-weight bearing exercises at the fracture site can also help accelerate the healing time.

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

50sec

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Is the fracture serious?

A fracture is when the integrity and continuity of the bone is compromised, resulting in symptoms such as pain, swelling, limited mobility, and deformity. The severity of a fracture depends on the extent of bone displacement, the location of the fracture, and whether there is associated damage to vital organs, blood vessels, or nerves. If the fracture is a simple one with minor displacement, it generally is not very serious. Appropriate repositioning can be selected, followed by brace support or plaster cast external fixation to facilitate bone healing. If the fracture is accompanied by significant damage to important blood vessels, nerves, or organs, and there are multiple fractures, this type of fracture is considered more serious. It could lead to shock from bleeding caused by the fracture, which can be life-threatening.

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Written by Li Jie

Orthopedics

1min 24sec

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How is a fracture treated?

The treatment of fractures involves three main principles: reduction, fixation, and functional exercise. First and foremost, a perfect reduction is required after a fracture. If the alignment of the fracture is not satisfactory, the fracture may require either closed or open reduction. After a successful closed reduction, if the fracture position is stable, fixation should be considered. Generally, following a successful closed reduction, a local application of a cast or splint can be done for external fixation. If the results of closed reduction are not satisfactory, surgical open reduction may be needed. In such cases, internal fixation, possibly with steel plates, steel pins, or intramedullary nails among other methods, is necessary. These first two points cover the need for reduction and effective fixation—including both external and internal fixation. After proper fixation, the fracture can gradually heal. During the healing process, active functional exercises are needed to prevent muscle atrophy and joint adhesion. To avoid disuse of the limb, muscle atrophy after removing the cast, whether it be a leg or an arm, functional exercises are imperative. Thus, the three principles of fracture treatment are reduction, fixation, and functional exercise, requiring professional care by medical experts in accredited hospitals.