2. Simple (closed) fracture Fracture in which there is no open skin wound This is an important distinction because when a broken bone penetrates the skin there is a need for more immediate treatment, and an operation is often required to clean the area of the fracture. Furthermore, because of the risk of infection, there are more often problems associated with healing when a fracture is open to the skin.
4. Simple (closed) fracture: First aid Assess for fracture Immobilize the injury. Any movement is not only very painful but can worsen the injury. Decide whether or not to realign the fractured bone, and realign if necessary Clean and dress all wounds Remove tight clothing, watches, jewelry - anything that could impede circulation. Check circulation, sensation and motion beyond the fracture site. Splint the fracture Recheck circulation, sensation and motion beyond the fracture site. Elevate the fracture 6 to 10 inches to reduce swelling. Apply cold packs or ice to the fracture, as long as there is no risk of hypothermia or frostbite. Monitor and treat for shock Give antiseptic if pain is persistent and there are no signs of shock.
5. Compound (open) fracture an injury where a broken bone is open through the skin when a broken bone penetrates the skin there is a need for immediate treatment, and an operation is often required to clean the area of the fracture. Furthermore, because of the risk of infection, there are more often problems associated with healing when a fracture is open to the skin.
7. Compound (open) fracture : First aid Assess for fracture Immobilize the injury. Any movement will be very painful and can worsen the injury. Disinfect at least a liter of water - depending how large and dirty the wound is - using iodine tablets. Clean the wound by thoroughly rinsing it with the disinfected water, using an irrigation syringe. Realign the fractured bone, unless it's a wrist or shoulder fracture Clean and dress all wounds Remove tight clothing, watches, jewelry: anything that could impede circulation. Check circulation, sensation and motion beyond the fracture site. Splint the fracture Re-check circulation, sensation and motion beyond the fracture site. Elevate the fracture 6-10" to reduce swelling. Apply cold packs or ice to the fracture as long as there is no risk of hypothermia or frostbite. Monitor and treat for shock Give ibuprofen if pain is persistent and there are no signs of shock. If possible, administer oral antibiotics if more than three hours from a hospital.
8. Transverse fracture A fracture in which the break is across the bone, at a right angle to the long axis of the bone.
9. References Fremgen, B.F. & Frught S.S. Medical terminology: A living language. 2009. Pearson Education. Upper Saddle River, NJ. http://www.ehow.com/ http://www.about.com/