| ||||||||||||
| skeletal injury |
|
types of skeletal injury fracture _______ a break in the continuity of a bone. dislocation _____ the displacement of a bone from its joint. sprain _________ injury to the joint capsule and ligaments. strain _________ stretching or tearing of a muscle |
||
|
complication of skeletal injury: life-threatening complications . immediate complication-severe hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock, especially in fractures of the thigh or pelvis. . late complication-fat embolism. complications that jeopardize the limb . direct pressure by the bone on nerves or blood vessels. . compartment syndrome local complications . chronic infection and permanent disability. |
 |
|
|
When a
bone is broken, or fractured, it affects not only blood production and
function, but there can be complications associated with the muscles,
tendons, nerves and blood vessels which are attached, or are close, to
the bone. Fractures are generally classified as: Open - where there is a wound leading to the fracture site or the bone is protruding from the skin. Closed - where the bone has fractured but has no obvious external wound. Complicated - which may involve damage to associated vital organs and major blood vessels as a result of the fracture.
The basic aim of management for fractured limbs is immobilisation, which helps reduce movement and the pain associated with fractures. Immobilise the limb with a natural splint, such as another part of the body, improvised splints, cardboard, wooden or air splints.
|
||
|
diagnosis of skeletal injury: history of the injury: . typical mechanism of injury . direction of force applied . cracking sound symptoms: . pain and tenderness . limitation of movement . scraping of bone ends signs: . swelling . skin discoloration-red, then blue . deformity . abnormal movement pain at the site associated organ damage rapid, weak pulse pale, cool, clammy skin
Slings Slings are used to support an injured arm, or to supplement treatment for another injury such as fractured ribs. Generally, the most effective sling is made with a triangular bandage. Every first aid kit, no matter how small, should have at least one of these bandages as essential items. Although triangular bandages are preferable, any material, eg. tie, belt, or piece of thick twine or rope, can be used in an emergency. If no likely material is at hand, an injured arm can be adequately supported by inserting it inside the casualty’s shirt or blouse. Similarly, a safety pin applied to a sleeve and secured to clothing on the chest may suffice. There are essentially three types of sling; the arm sling for injuries to the forearm, the elevated sling for injuries to the shoulder, and the ‘collar-and-cuff’ or clove hitch for injuries to the upper arm and as supplementary support to fractured ribs. After application of any sling, always check the circulation to the limb by feeling for the pulse at the wrist, or squeezing a fingernail and observing for change of colour in the nail bed. All slings must be in a position that is comfortable for the casualty. Never force an arm into the ‘right position’.
|
|
|
|
|