Treating broken bones correctly
Cooling, splinting, seeing a doctor
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Broken bones - the painful consequence of playing or falling
Broken bones, also known as fractures , usually occur as a result of external force - for example in a car accident, a fall or during sport. In rare cases, a disease such as osteoporosis or prolonged overloading can also be the cause.
The fracture results in two or more fragments. Bone fractures can occur at any age. However, children and adults over the age of 60 are particularly affected.
In children, fractures often occur during sport, playing or romping around. In adults, on the other hand, fractures occur as a result of a fall or due to changes in bone tissue and are extremely painful and require prompt medical treatment.
How does a bone fracture manifest itself?
A bone fracture can be characterised by the following signs :
- Relaxed posture
- Misalignment of affected limbs
- Restricted movement or inability to move
- Severe pain in the area of the fracture
- Open wound, possibly visible bone
What types of bone fracture are there?
A basic distinction is made between two types of bone fracture :
- Closed fracture: No parts of the bone are visible from the outside . The tissue above the fracture may be injured to varying degrees .
- Open fracture: The bone is visible in the area of the injured body part, which increases the risk of infection.
What is the initial treatment for a fracture?
- Make the emergency call
- Immobilise the affected part of the body
- Do not move the fracture site - do not attempt to set it in place
- Cover an open fracture with a wound dressing
- Cool a closed fracture with a cool pack
- Pad the injured limb: Immobilise a broken arm in a triangular sheet. Splint other extremities using a SAM®-SPLINT universal splint.
How are fractures treated?
The primary aim of treating a bone fracture is to fix the fragments in their normal position so that the fracture can heal and the function of the bone is restored.
Bone fractures can be treated conservatively, with a splint or plaster cast, or surgically. If surgery is necessary, the area to be treated is treated with nails, plates or intramedullary nails.
How long does it take for a broken bone to heal?
It can take between 6 and 12 weeks before the affected bone can be fully loaded again. In children, the healing time is often shorter and sometimes even reduced to four weeks.
The duration depends on numerous factors:
- Type of fracture (smooth fracture or complicated comminuted fracture)
- Age of the patient
- Localisation of the fracture
- Type of healing
- Type of treatment
Why does a broken bone heal faster in a child than in an adult?
In children, the periosteum is still very thick and well supplied with blood, which is why the body's own repair mechanisms take effect more quickly and fractures often heal faster.
How can the healing of a bone fracture be accelerated?
- Avoid infections
- A balanced diet
- Supplying the body with vitamin D and calcium