A bone is said to be broken when a break happens through a part or whole of the bone. It usually happens in children due to a fall or during sport activities. There are many types of broken bones like a break on one side of bone, an outward bend of one side of bone without breaking other side, tiny crack, collapsing of bone, break in growth plate, etc.

What to look for?

The injuries involving bones, muscles and joints are almost always painful.

 

Look for the following symptoms and signs:

-          Pain

-          Deformity

-          Swelling

-          Bruising

-          Limited movement of the limb

-          Broken bone or its fragment protruding out

-          Bones grating

-          Muscle cramps

-          Shock

-          Sound of snap or pop when injury happened

What to do?

Without appropriate management, these injuries can lead to permanent disabilities. Until ambulance arrives, the child should be kept still. If ambulance is not available, firstly immobilize the injured part before moving the child. Please note that the general care is same for all bone, muscle and joint injuries.

 

A general protocol for bone injury is listed below:

-          If the scene is safe, check the child for airway, breathing, circulation (ABC)

-          Call ambulance if you suspect that there is problem with ABCs, there is injury of head or spine, walking is difficult, more than one injury, injury to thigh or hips, child seems dizzy or unconscious

-          Check for any concurrent health conditions

-          Treat injury using RICE method:

o   Rest: do not move the child

o   Immobilize: the injured part

o   Cold: apply cold (like ice wrapped in cloth) for 20 min per hour

o   Elevate: keep injured area above level of heart of possible without causing pain or further damage to it

-          Bring the child under care of orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible for continual care. The treatment of fractures and torn ligaments is best done by them. They will conduct a series of X-rays to confirm the break in bone.

 

Talk to An Orthopedic Surgeon if you need assistance with diagnosis or whether or not you require emergency management. Many mild bone, muscle, joint injuries do not require emergency management. Ask A Doctor about the possible outcomes of the broken bones and the respective treatment.

 

Written by - Dr Vaishalee Punj