Spinal fractures and injuries — how to recognize and help?

Almost 100,000 Ukrainians experience fractures of the skull, spine, and bones of the upper and lower limbs every year, according to the Center for Medical Statistics. And now, during the war, this number has increased significantly. How to recognize a bone fracture or spinal cord injury? What can be done to help the victim and at the same time not to harm even more? You can learn more about this from our article.

Who has fractures more often and what are the causes of fractures

Bone fractures can occur in people of any age, but certain categories are more prone to them. These are the elderly — due to age-related factors, such as decreased bone density and an increased risk of falls. Women (especially in postmenopause) — due to the loss of estrogen and subsequent decrease in bone mass.

Other groups prone to fractures include the military, athletes, children, and people with certain medical conditions such as osteoporosis or cancer.

The causes of fractures are varied, but commonly include accidents, falls, sports injuries, blast or gunshot injuries, and weakened bones from disease or medication.

How to determine that this is a fracture?

The better you know the signs of a fracture, the better you can help the injured person.

They are:

• Severe pain at the site of injury;
• Swelling and bruises;
• Limited range of motion;
• Deformation or abnormal appearance.

How to provide first aid for a fracture?

First aid for fractures may differ, depending on the type of fracture — closed, open or spinal injury.

Although, of course, there are certain basic steps to follow:

• Assess the surrounding situation: take care of the safety of both the injured and yourself;
• Call for medical help;
• Offer reassurance and support: Stay with the victim until the ambulance arrives.

How to provide first aid for an open fracture

An open fracture occurs when the broken bone breaks through the skin. At the same time, bleeding and infection are possible.

What to do:

• Stop bleeding: gently press a sterile bandage or clean cloth on the bleeding site and hold for at least 3 minutes.
• Cover the wound: Place a sterile dressing or clean cloth over the open wound without pressure. Secure with a bandage or tape.
• Immobilize: Stabilize the broken limb by tying it to a splint, such as a rolled-up newspaper or branch.
• Immediately seek for medical help.

How to help with a closed fracture?

Closed fractures do not break the skin, but still require quick first aid:

• Immobilize the limb: Help the person find a comfortable position and immobilize the injured limb with a splint or materials at hand such as clothing or towels.
• Apply something cold: To reduce swelling and relieve pain, apply a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth to the injured area.
• Elevate the limb: If possible, elevate the injured limb slightly above the level of the heart to minimize swelling.
• Seek for medical help.

And if it is a spinal injury?

How to understand that a person may have spinal cord damage?

Symptoms of a spinal cord injury can include immobility, pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and loss of bladder or bowel control.

What to do?

• First, call an ambulance;
• If the person is conscious, you can ask the injured person to move their legs or arms alternately. If the spine is damaged, he will not succeed;
• Try not to move the victim, keep him safe, and calm until medical personnel arrive.

How to prevent fractures?

Several strategies can be used to reduce the risk of fractures.

Example:

• Exercise regularly to strengthen bones and improve balance;
• A well-balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients will help maintain bone density;
• Use safety measures — wear protective equipment and take measures to prevent falls at home.
• Teach children to group before falling. Sports sections and videos on the Internet may help you with this.

We hope this article will be useful!