¿Qué hacer en caso de luxación, esguince o fractura? | Clínica Alemana

Summary

Accidents can occur unexpectedly, leading to injuries such as dislocations, sprains, or fractures. In case of severe injuries involving muscles, bones, or joints, it's essential to immobilize the affected area using available materials like boards, rolled newspapers, or cardboard. Avoid manipulating the injury and control bleeding with sterile dressings. For fractures, avoid moving the injured area, keep the limb elevated, and apply cold for pain relief. Seek immediate medical attention, providing details of the injury, any pre-existing conditions, allergies, or medications. Always treat unknown injuries as fractures to ensure proper care.

Takeaways

• 😀 Accidents can occur at any time and may lead to serious injuries to muscles, bones, or joints.
• 😀 A dislocation happens when the ends of two or more bones move out of their normal position.
• 😀 A sprain is an injury to the tendons or ligaments of a joint.
• 😀 A fracture is a break in the continuity of a bone, which can sometimes result in an exposed bone.
• 😀 In case of severe injury, immobilize the affected area to prevent further damage.
• 😀 Use rigid materials like boards, rolled-up newspapers, or cardboard as splints to immobilize the injury.
• 😀 Ensure that the splints extend beyond the joint above and below the injury.
• 😀 If there’s a wound, cover it with sterile gauze, but do not manipulate the injury.
• 😀 In case of a suspected fracture, keep the injured limb in its current position and elevate it if possible.
• 😀 For injuries in lower limbs, do not remove the shoe to avoid unnecessary movement.
• 😀 Apply cold therapy (like a wrapped ice bag) to alleviate pain, but never place ice directly on the skin.

Q & A

What is a dislocation and how is it different from a fracture?

A dislocation is a joint injury where the ends of two or more bones move out of their normal positions, while a fracture is a break in the continuity of a bone. Dislocations typically affect the joint, whereas fractures involve the bone itself.

What is the recommended action when a person is suspected of having a serious injury to a muscle, bone, or joint?

The recommended action is to immobilize the injured part of the body to prevent further harm, using items like splints made from cardboard, rolled-up newspapers, or wooden boards.

How should you handle a situation where there is a visible wound with a bone sticking out (open fracture)?

In case of an open fracture, do not attempt to manipulate the bone. Cover the wound with sterile gauze, and carefully immobilize the affected area. Use a splint to keep the bone and joint stable during transport to medical help.

What should you do if you are unsure whether a person has a fracture or a different injury?

If unsure, treat the injury as if it were a fracture. Immobilize the area, elevate it, and seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Why is it important to keep the injured part of the body elevated during transport?

Elevating the injured body part helps reduce swelling and prevents further injury. It also assists in reducing pain during transportation to medical facilities.

What is the best way to treat the pain of a suspected sprain or fracture before reaching medical assistance?

The best way to treat pain is by applying local cold (using an ice pack wrapped in a cloth) to the injured area. Avoid massaging the injury or applying ointments, as this can make the injury worse.

Why should rings, bracelets, or any tight items be removed from an injured arm or hand?

Rings and bracelets should be removed from the injured arm or hand to prevent them from causing further harm or becoming too tight as the injury site swells.

When should you not remove a shoe from an injured lower extremity?

You should not remove a shoe from an injured lower extremity, as it may cause unnecessary movement of the foot and worsen the injury. Keeping the shoe on helps stabilize the foot.

What are the appropriate materials to use for a splint if none are available in an emergency?

In an emergency, you can use rigid materials such as cardboard, newspapers, or wooden boards to create a makeshift splint. These materials should extend beyond the joint above and below the injury.

How should you position a victim with a suspected fracture while waiting for help?

Position the victim so that the injured part remains immobile and elevated. Keep the injured extremity stable and do not attempt to change its position. This will help prevent additional injury during transport.