*Bone and Joint Injuries Multiple injuries to the skeletal system includes the bones, joints and ligaments and to the adjacent soft tissues are common types of major accidents. A break or a crak in a bone is called a fracture. A dislocation is an injury to the capsule and ligaments of a joint that results in displacement of a bone end at a joint. The association of a dislocation with a fracture is calle fracture dislocation. A sprain is an injury to a joint ligament or a muscle tendon in the region of a joint; it involves the partial tearing or stretching of these structures, injuries to blood vessels, and contusions of the surrounding soft tissue without dislocation or fracture. A strain is an injury to a muscle that results from overstretching; it may be associated with a sprain or a fracture. *Fracture Closed or simple fractures are those not related to open wounds on the surface of the body, although there may be a laceration over near a fracture. Open or compound fractures are those associated directly with open wounds. An open fracture may result from external violence or may be produced by injury from within, as broken ends of a bone protrude through the skin at the time of the accident or later through motion or mishandling of the fractured bone. In an open fracture, the wound usually is inflicted by a broken bone end that tears through the skin and slips back again. Sometimes the cause is a missile, such as a bullet, that penetrates the skin and breaks a bone. *Causes The most common causes of fractures are motor vehicle accidents, falls and accident related to recreational sports and activities. Motor vehicle accidents are responsible for mor than 50,000 deaths each year and millions of disabling injuries. Over twice as many deaths occur in rural areas as in towns and cities, where almost half of the victims are pedestrian. *Advance first aid and emergency care After rescue, if it is necessary, protect against further injury, Call for an ambulance, it it is warranted or medical assistance. -Prevent motion of the injured parts and the adjacent joints. Elevate involved limbs, if possible, without disturbing suspected fractures. -Apply splints if modern ambulance service is not available, if there is a delay in transportation, or in less serious injuries before seeking medical assistance for diagnosis and treatment. The first-aider should not attempt to set or reduce a fracture that requires restoration of bone fragments to normal position. If an ambulance or rescue squad can arrive within a short period after an accident, when an injured person obviously requires hospitalization, do not attempt to mmove the victim unless there is a danger of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning , explosion, drowning or other life threatening emergency. Above all, in attempting rescue, do not drag victims out of vehicles or from under wreckage or throw them on the ground in your haste to save their lives. If possible, even in the midst of a crowded street or highway, take the time to tie a victims injured leg to his uninjured one or bind his injured art to his chest or side. Lift and move the victim and wait for adequate help for at least three and preferably four persons and obtain a support for the victims back, if possible.
Posted on: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 04:04:17 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015