Fracture

1.	Causes Any damage to bones, such as breakage or rupture, usually caused by external force. Clinical Features:
	(1)	Pain and tenderness at or near the site of injury is intensified by movement.
	(2)	Difficulty in moving the part freely.
	(3)	The fractured area will be distorted, deformed or shortened.
	(4)	Crepitation made by sharp broken bones can be heard upon palpation.
	(5)	External or internal bleeding may be visible & the casualty may fall into a state of shock.
	(6)	The injured may feel that his bones have been broken and fail to move normally.
	(7)	Swelling and bruising of the injured part.
	General Treatment
	(1)	Unless there is immediate danger, you should avoid moving the casualty to prevent his injury from worsening.
	(2)	Serious conditions such as asphyxia, bleeding, shock or unconsciousness should be dealt with before treating the fracture.
	(3)	For open fractures, place a piece of gauze or dressing over the injured part before bandaging the wound.
	(4)	Support and immobilize the injured site with splints or sound part of his body.
2.	Fractures of the Spine It may be caused by impact, fall from height or compression. Apart from back pain, the casualty will feel numbness, feebleness or stiffness in his extremities below his injured part. Sometimes he cannot move his fingers or toes and suffers a loss of sensation. In serious cases, the casualty will fall into a state of shock or become unconscious. Treatment :
	(1)	If spinal fracture is suspected, extra caution must be exercised to avoid further damage.
	(2)	If the casualty is supine, immobilize his head with sandbags.
	(3)	If the casualty is unconscious, carefully lift his chin to keep his airway clear.
	(4)	Keep the casualty warm.
	(5)	In case of cervical fracture, use a hard collar or an improvised collar made by wrapping towels, newspapers or triangular bandage to stabilize his neck.

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