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Extremity Fractures
Introduction
Fractures of long bones of upper and lower limbs are quite common. If not properly treated they often lead to long-term deformities. Osteomyelitis is always the complication of open fractures. Hemorrhagic shock may occur in situations involving multiple fractures or pelvic ring fractures.
Signs and symptoms
Diagnostic Criteria
• Pain, swelling
• Loss of limb function
• Deformity and abnormal movement
Investigation
• X-ray
Treatment
-
Pharmacological
-
-
Non-pharmacological
- Community / dispensary level
• Immobilize injured limb by POP cast or splint.
• Monitor vital signs.
• Monitor the arterial pulse and capillary refill below an injury on the limb with swelling
• Refer the patient
Health Centre
• Immobilize injured limb by POP cast or splint
• Monitor vital signs
• Monitor the arterial pulse and capillary refill below an injury on the limb with swelling
• Consider anti tetanus prophylaxis according to the anti-tetanus protocol
• Refer the patient if open fracture or if specialist service not available
Hospital level
• Immobilize injured limb by POP cast or splint
• Monitor vital signs
• Monitor the arterial pulse and capillary refill below an injury on the limb with swelling
• Treat open fractures by proper surgical debridement and ORIF as per specialist guideline.
Prevention
Updated on,
14 Novemba 2020, 08:56:00
References
- 1. STG
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