Fractures:
Broken Bones
Louisiana is truly a sportsman's paradise.
Unfortunately, along with the wonderful outdoor activities we
enjoy so much come some of the hazards that are associated with
them. These injuries are often minor and thus require little medical
attention. However, on occasion these bumps and bruises turn out
to be a significant injury such as a broken bone.
Patients sometimes confuse the terms "fractured
bone" and "broken bone." In reality, a broken bone
and a fractured bone are the same thing and the treatment for
both injuries is identical.
Most fractures are the results of significant
force being applied to otherwise healthy bone. These forces include
twisting, pulling, crushing, bending, or any combination of these
actions. Every bone in the body is susceptible to trauma that
could result in a fracture, but certain areas of the body are
more susceptible to injury. The most common fractures involve
the extremities--hands, arms, feet and legs. These areas are most
often injured because the extremities are used more often in work
and recreation-related activities, such as hammering, running,
skiing, etc.
In general, a significant force is required
to break a bone; however, fractures may occur due to relatively
minor trauma. Fractures involving minor trauma are usually related
to two basic circumstances. The first and most common involve
the elderly. As we age, the strength of our bones decreases. As
a result, our bones are much more susceptible to fractures as
we grow older. Simple falls that usually would not produce a bruise
on a younger individual are often the cause of fractures in the
large and strong bones such the hips and pelvis. The second groups
of patients who sustain broken bones from relatively minor trauma
are those patients who have had a previous disease process before
the fracture occurred. The disease process weakens the bones and
makes them more susceptible to trauma. Fortunately, these conditions
are rare but do require further testing when they occur.
Stress Fractures
A special type of fracture is called a
stress fracture. This fracture is different because rather than
a single event causing the break, the fracture is the result of
"fatigue" from repetitive forces. The concept of stress
fractures can be understood by using a paper clip. If you bend
a paper clip once, it remains very strong; however, if it is bent
a number of times in repetition it weakens and eventually breaks.
Most fractures are very easy to diagnose with an X-ray; however,
stress fractures often do not show up on initial X-rays, which
makes the fracture difficult to diagnose. The fracture line can
usually be seen within 10-14 days of the injury and the diagnosis
can be confirmed. A classic example of this type of fracture occurs
in the military where foot soldiers experience "march fractures"--
the result of many hours of marching. Stress fractures are also
commonly seen in athletes.
Open Fracture ("Compound Fractures")
Open fractures call for special consideration
because they are true medical emergencies. These are fractures
in which a bone is broken and one of the edges of the bone has
poked through the skin. This situation is an emergency because
an exposed bone is also exposed to the bacteria that live on the
skin. These bacteria can cause very significant bone infections,
called osteomyelitis, which are very difficult to cure and can
become a limb-threatening condition.
First Aid for Fractures
There are many opportunities for the public
to learn basic first aid. These skills are easy to learn and can
often have a tremendous impact in an emergency situation. Basic
first aid classes teach the skill of splinting fractures in the
field. Anyone with knowledge of splinting fractures should attempt
to perform this procedure if a fractured bone is suspected. Splinting
the injury helps in the following way:
(1) It reduces the patient's pain.
(2) It reduces damage to nerves and vessels.
(3) It reduces the chance of making the
fracture worse.
(4) It facilitates patient transport.
Even if a person has no formal knowledge
of splinting broken bones, some simple things can be done prior
to arrival at the hospital. The simplest action that can be taken
is to protect the injured area from further damage. This can be
accomplished by supporting the injury, covering any open wounds,
and making the patient as comfortable as possible. Ultimately,
transportation should be arranged by either ambulance or private
auto to the closest emergency room for treatment.
If you have any questions regarding fractures
or broken bones please call St. Elizabeth Hospital Emergency Room
(225-647-5000), or consult your primary care doctor. In the event
of an emergency, please call 911.
St. Elizabeth Hospital's Emergency Department
is Ascension Parish's premiere emergent care facility. It is open
24 hours a day and is staffed by highly trained doctors and nurses
who are committed to the health and safety of the residents of
Ascension Parish.
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