Poor physical condition or the most ordinary moment of inattention – these are the main causes of twists, dislocations or fractures. Below we discuss these injuries and suggest how to provide first aid when they occur.

• Sprains

We talk about twisting when we are dealing with damage to ligaments and joint pouch, caused by exceeding the physiological range of motion in the joint. Sprain is manifested by pain, swelling and bruising within the twisted joint. First aid for twisting involves attaching a cold compress to the affected area. It is worth to apply a elastic bandage, and if there is a sprain of the ankle joint – a tourniquet or stabilizer.

According to Pott’s principle, we immobilize the damaged joint and adjacent bones:

BONE – DAMAGED JOINT – BONE

• Fracture

Fracture is defined as a complete interruption of bone continuity. In the case of an open fracture, the skin coatings are also broken. Among the characteristic symptoms of fracture are acute pain and inability to move the limb and hemorrhage, if we are talking about an open fracture.

The most important thing to keep in mind in case of a fracture is the immobilization of the limb. We can use items such as scarves, boards, pegs, etc. to immobilize it. The upper limb is easiest to fix by hanging it on a sling or hanging on the neck with a bandage. We immobilize the broken bone of the forearm using a rail reaching from the fingers to the elbow joint. When immobilizing, the so-called Potta rule should be used, which says to immobilize the damaged bone and adjacent joints that it forms.

So we immobilize: JOINT – DAMAGED BONE – JOINT

A deviation from this rule is a fracture of the femur – then we immobilize the entire limb. In case of an open fracture, it is still necessary to remember to stop bleeding. To reduce swelling, the immobilized limb can be covered with ice. After completing the above steps, you should wait for the arrival of the ambulance.

• Dislocation

As a result of dislocation, there is a complete loss of contact with the articular surfaces. Dislocation is manifested by acute pain, distortion of the movement organ (caused by bone displacement), swelling and bruising, which occurs almost immediately after the formation of the injury.

In case of dislocation, medical attention is necessary as soon as possible – the dislocated bone needs to be set. Under no circumstances should you do it yourself! However, before transporting the victim to the hospital, the limb should be immobilized, while taking the utmost care and acting as in the case of a fracture.

Source: https://www.bhp-center.com.pl/pierwsza-pomoc-przy-najczestszych-urazach-konczyn/