Detailed Information on Fractures

A fracture is commonly referred to as a brokenthe ice in a towel, piece of cloth or some other
bone. The bones of the shape of the humanmaterial. Apply pressure to the wound with a
body, or skeleton, which supports and protectssterile bandage, a clean cloth or a clean piece of
the soft parts of the body. The bones are livingclothing. Don't try to realign the bone. Surgical
tissue. They are growing fast at one \ 's earlymethods of treating fractures have their own
years, and renew themselves when they arerisks and benefits. A plaster or fiberglass cast is
broken. Bones have a center called the marrow,the most common type of fracture treatment,
which is softer than the outer part of the bone.because most broken bones can heal successfully
Bone marrow cells that had developed in redonce they have been repositioned. Traction is
blood cells which carry oxygen to all parts of theusually used to align a bone or bones by a gentle,
body and the white blood cells that help fightsteady pulling action. Proper diet and exercise.
disease. Bones also contain minerals calcium andFractures Treatment Tips
phosphorus. If the broken bone punctures the1. Don't try to realign the bone.
skin, it is called an open fracture or. Fractures2. Apply pressure to the wound with a sterile
occur frequently due to car accidents, falls andbandage.
sports injuries. Another issue is osteoporosis,3. Proper diet and exercise may help in preventing
which causes a weakening of the bones.some fractures.
Fracture of the bone may also occur due to4. Traction is usually used to align a bone or bones
certain health problems that weaken the bones,by a gentle, steady pulling action.
such as osteoporosis, certain types of cancer or5. Apply ice packs to limit swelling and help relieve
steogenesisimperfecta.pain until emergency personnel arrive.
First aid for fractures includes stabilizing the break6. A plaster or fiberglass cast is the most
with a splint in order to prevent movement ofcommon type of fracture treatment.
the injured part. Apply ice packs to limit swelling7. Don't apply ice directly to the skin wrap the ice
and help relieve pain until emergency personnelin a towel, piece of cloth or some other material.
arrive. Don't apply ice directly to the skin - wrap