Question

Describe fracture.

Answer 1

A crack or break in the bone is called a fracture. The application of force to a joint or bone may give rise to the bone injury, either at the point of impact or at some distance away. It is a common injury in the field of sports.

1. Types of fractures:
   1. Simple Fracture
   2. Compound Fracture
   3. Linear Fracture
   4. Multiple Fracture
   5. Transverse Fracture
   6. Oblique Fracture
   7. Comminuted Fracture
   8. Greenstick Fracture
   9. Spiral Fracture
   10. Complicated Fracture
   11. Impacted Fracture
2. Causes:
   1. A fracture may occur due to the impact of direct force inherent in a severe blow.
   2. A bone may get fractured due to a fall, i.e., indirect force, the impact of which is transmitted.
   3. A fracture may also be caused due to accidental twisting of the joint.
3. Symptoms:
   1. Pain at or near the site of injury.
   2. The movement at the site of injury looks and feels unnatural.
   3. There occurs a significant loss of strength.
   4. One can hear or feel the sound of the bone.
   5. Irregular bone can be felt near the skin.
   6. Numbness in the injured area.
   7. Bluish colour, swelling, or visible deformity in the injured area.
   8. Bone protruding through the skin.
   9. Heavy bleeding at the site of injury.
4. First Aid:
   1. Do not move the injured area.
   2. Immobilise the injured area. Do not try to realign the bone or push a bone that is sticking out back in, if you do not know how to do it.
   3. Apply a splint to the area above and below the fracture sites. Padding the splints can help to reduce discomfort.
   4. Protect the area from further injury.
   5. Provide rest and stop using the injured part.
   6. Apply ice over the affected or wounded area.
   7. Compress the area, apply proper bandaging to avoid movement.
   8. Elevate the injured part.
   9. At last, refer the casualty to a competent doctor.