Powerpoint Templates

OBJECTIVES
Recognise the different types of fractures
List the signs and symptoms of a fracture
Understand the mechanisms of injury
Know the complications of a fracture
Know the principles and methods of
immobilization

SCOPE
Introduction
Definition of fractures
Complications
Types of fractures
Causes of fractures
Signs and symptoms
Managing Fractures
Practical
Conclusion

What is a
fracture?
Bones are hard, living tissues found in
the body
A fracture is a breakage in bone
continuity due to injury (trauma) to the
bone
Fractures may cause complications
which have more severe effects

Can you die from a

fracture?

Fractures rarely result in death, however with

complications & other injuries involved,
chances of fatality are proved to be higher

Introducing
Fractures
A fracture, in itself, is rarely life-threatening
However, when combined with other injuries, it
may contribute to a fatal outcome
Efficient fracture management consists of:
The ability to identify the injuries
Providing prompt and suitable care
Reducing pain and minimise aggravation
(worsening) of the injury

Complication
s
Damage to internal organs
Damage to soft tissue
Impaired circulation
Excessive bleeding
Swelling of tissues
Spinal cord injury

WARNING!
The following slides contain
(OR may contain) pictures of shocking nature

Types of Fractures
Open

Broken bone that penetrates the skin

Bleeding is inevitable
High risk of infection

Closed

Broken bone that does not penetrates skin

Internal Bleeding is inevitable
Possible damage to blood vessels

Types of
Fracture
Unstable

Stable

Broken bone ends do

not move as they are
incompletely broken or
jammed together
May be gently handled
without causing further
damage

Bone is completely broken

Bone ends can easily move
out of position
Risk of damaging internal
organs, nerves and blood
vessels
Must handle with greater care

Causes of
Fractures
Direct force
Direct blow was given to the
injured part where the impact
causes fracture to happen,
breaking the bones

Indirect force
Twisting or wrenching could be
consider as a form of indirect
forces that contribute to fractures

Signs & symptoms of a

fracture

Deformity
Unnatural movement
Tenderness
Crepitus
(crackling sounds)
Swelling
Loss of movement
Irregularity
Pain

Shortening of the limb

Discolouration
Guarding of the limb
Spasms
Instability
Incontinence
(accidental excretion
of urine or stool )

Can you identify the signs & symptoms of a

fracture?

Precautions:
Do not attempt to bandage the
injury if medical assistance is
on its way
Do not attempt to move an
injured limb unnecessarily
Do not allow a casualty with a
suspected fracture to eat,
drink or smoke

Managing
Fractures

Actions:

1. Steady and support

injured part
2. Protect injury with
padding
3. Take or send
casualty to nearest
hospital

IMMOBILIZATION OF SKULL

1.

2.

3.

Wrap round head with triangular bandage, cross ends of

bandage (at the back, by the crown of the head) and tie a
reef knot once theyre brought to the front.

4.

Tuck the excess

sheet beneath
the wrap.
Tuck the dressing
in neatly.

IMMOBILIZATION OF
JAW
Note: Might require 2
triangular bandages.

1.
1/3 of triangular (narrow)
bandage is to be measured
from the chin to the back of
the ear.

4.

3.
2.
Use the remaining 2/3 of
bandage (running end) to
wrap round the other side
of the head (before the
ear).
Criss-cross the running end
of the bandage with the
end that goes behind the
ear. Do make sure the
bandange is tied behind
the groove of the head

Following the diagram,

finish off the wrapping
round the head.

IMMOBILIZATION OF COLLAR
BONE
Use Elevation Sling

1.

2.

Run that end of the bandage

round the back of the casualty
and tie a reef knot.

3.

4.

Twirl the excess end of the bandage

and tuck it into the sling.
Note: Casualtys hand
has to remain visible to
the first aider.

5.

IMMOBILIZATION OF
ELBOW
IF THE INJURED ELBOW CAN BE BENT:

1.

5.

Narrow-fold
bandage.

2.

6.

3.

4.

Narrow-fold
bandage
round the
chest with
hand
beneath.

7.

Secure ends of bandage behind the

neck and secure sling with a reef
knot.

8.

9.

IMMOBILIZATION OF
ELBOW
IF THE INJURED ELBOW CANNOT BE
BENT:

1.

2.

Narrow-fold
bandage to
immobilize the
elbow.

5.

3.

Ends of bandage to go
round the casualtys
back. Secure it with a
reef knot.

Broad-fold
bandage to
immobilize the
injured arm.

4.

Insert soft
padding, such as a
folded towel or
clothing, between
arm and chest.

IMMOBILIZATION OF UPPER
EXTREMETIES

Use broad-fold
bandage to
immobilize
the arm.
Twirl the
excess end of
the bandage
and tuck it
into the sling.

21

IMMOBILIZATION OF ANKLE
Ankle injury
can be
treated by
the RICE
procedure:
rest the
affected
part, apply
ice,
compress
with
bandaging,
and elevate.

If injured only recently,

quickly raise and support
the foot to reduce blood
flow to the area, which will
minimize swelling.
Apply an ice pack or cold
compress to the site to
reduce swelling.
22

IMMOBILIZATION OF THIGH
THIGH FRACTURES
Bandages must be added at:
1: ankles and feet
2: knees
3: above fracture site
4: below fracture site
Knot bandage
on uninjured
side

Place soft
padding
between legs

3 #

4 2

Fracture site

1
Tie feet together
with bandage in
figure-of-eight

IMMOBILIZATION OF LOWER LEGS

LOWER LEG FRACTURES
Bandages must be added at:
1: ankles and feet
2: knees
3: above fracture site
Use folded towel
4: below fracture site
Fracture site
or clothing as
padding

Tie feet together

with bandage in
figure-of-eight

QUESTIONS
Name the complications of a fracture
Damage to internal organs
Damage to soft tissue
Impaired circulation
Excessive bleeding
Swelling of tissues
Spinal cord injury
Fat embolism
(blockage of blood vessels)

QUESTIONS
Name any 3 signs and symptoms of fractures
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)

Deformity
Unnatural movement
Tenderness
Crepitus (crackling
sounds)
Swelling
Loss of movement
Irregularity
Pain

9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)

Shortening of the limb

Discoloration
Guarding of the limb
Spasms
Instability
Incontinence
(accidental excretion of
urine or stool )

CONCLUSION
The fracture itself is rarely
life threatening
The danger lies in the
complications arising from
the fracture