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Extremity Fractures

Introduction

Extremity Fractures
Extremity Fractures
Extremity Fractures
Extremity Fractures

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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