Bone Fractures – What to do in a medical emergency?

Broken bones or fractures can occur with traumatic injuries such as falls or in sports injuries. There is usually severe pain and the person would not be able to move the injured part at all.

Once a fracture is suspected, it is important to protect the injured part of the body and to get a consultation with an orthopaedic specialist as soon as possible to prevent long-term complications or permanent deformities.

How do we recognise a bone fracture and how can we prevent the injury from worsening?

Speed is critical when it comes to seeking medical help for life-threatening conditions such as heart attack, stroke or severe trauma. PHOTOS: MOUNT ELIZABETH HOSPITALS

During the interview with the StraitsTimes, Dr Victor Seah said that a bone is likely to be fractured if there is an obvious deformity, an awkward angle of the limb or an abnormally shaped joint after an injury.

For upper limb injuries, it is best to immobilise the upper limb in a makeshift arm sling if possible.

In a lower limb injury such as the ankle, if the person is not able to put any weight at all on the injured area, it is highly likely that the bone may be fractured. Refrain from using the injured limb and get support with the help of crutches, walking aid or a wheelchair.

You can read the entire article here: 3,600 critical seconds in medical emergencies.

Dr Victor Seah is an orthopaedic surgeon and has a special interest in orthopaedic trauma and geriatric osteoporotic fractures, as well as foot and ankle injury.

If you would like to consult Dr Seah regarding broken bones or fractures, make an appointment here: Pinnacle Orthopaedic and Sports Centre Novena.