Ooh-Awh-Ouch! from a fracture

If there is a moment a child wails the loudest, it is when they have just had a fracture (breaking of a bone), which is characterised by immense pain, an unusual bend, swelling or inability to move a limb or joint. True to children’s playful and adventurers nature, they are exposed to possibilities of fractures, especially due to falls. Though uncommon in children, conditions like bone cancer and osteoporosis (weakened bones) make one more prone to fractures.

Types: There are five major types of fractures:

Greenstick/incomplete fracture: This is when a bone bends. It is the most common type in children whose bones are still soft enough to twist. Most often when a cast is applied, it takes six to eight weeks to heal.

Simple or closed fractures: The broken bones are within the surface of the skin. The broken bones can cut though blood tissues and vessels. This makes it crucial for the patient to be kept still by securing the fractured limb.
Compound/open fracture: Is identified when the broken bone sticks out on the skin’s surface. In this case, the fractured limb needs to be first dressed to avoid infection.

Do not try to push the exposed bones into the skin, as this would cause more injury and pain. Here, a splint (securing of the limb) is to be applied like in the simple fracture, then immediate medical attention sought.

Transverse fracture: As the name suggests, this is when a bone is broken at a right angle to the length of the bone.

In comminute or multi-fragmentary fracture: One bone breaks more than two places. This often occurs in case of a car accident or a severe fall.

Notes
» Children have an amazing capacity to heal. This is because as they are growing, there is a large production of new cells and blood vessels, which necessitates faster recovery. That is why the treatment given may be different from that given to adults. Mostly, they don’t need an operation.

» Young children have pliable bones, which often tend to bend rather than break.

» To protect the baby’s bones, encourage your active child to wear protective gear if involved in high impact outdoor activities.

» Ensure that your child’s diet has a proper supply of calcium and vitamin D so that he has strong bones.

First Aid
How to splint (secure) an injured limb

1. If you are at home and your child gets a fracture, a cardboard is the best material for making a splint.

2. Using a straight edge, make two creases in the cardboard in such a way that it is divided into thirds lengthwise.

3. Pad the cardboard by placing a towel or a big cloth over it to prevent further injury and to provide support to the injured limb.

4. Place the cardboard under the injured limb correctly in such a way that it does not allow movement of the broken part.

5. Secure the sides of the cardboard splint by taping them. Ensure you pad any space that has not been taped.

6. Elevate the splinted limb if possible to reduce swelling, and seek medical attention.

7. As you wait for medical help, apply an ice pack over the fractured part to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Do hot leave ice on any injury longer than 20 minutes as it may start to cause swelling.

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