YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH/BONE AND JOINT DISORDERS: FRACTURES (BROKEN BONES) TREATMENT

Posted on September 11th, 2009, by admin

If you suspect that your child has a fracture, see your doctor.

Most fractured limbs need to be splinted or put into a plaster cast. This enables the bones to unite and mend without being disturbed by any movement. If the fracture is a complicated one, or it is open to the surface, your child may require an operation under anaesthetic. Because of this, avoid giving him any food or drink until you get medical advice. Children’s bones mend rapidly, usually without any complications. Encourage the use of the affected limb after the cast has been removed — a child provides his own best physiotherapy.

If your child has a fracture of the skull, he will need careful medical attention because of the delicacy of the underlying brain tissue.

After the application of a plaster cast, care must be taken to ensure that there are no complications.

1. Keep the limb elevated (in a sling for the arm or by using crutches with a leg in plaster) for 48 hours — this is how long it takes the plaster to dry completely.

2. Encourage your child to wiggle the fingers or toes of the affected limb.

3. Return to your doctor the following day for a plaster check. This is very important in order to ensure that the plaster in the correct position.

4. See your doctor or go to the emergency section of a hospital immediately if

any of the following occur:

• swollen or blue toes or fingers;

• severe pain in the limb, not eased by painkillers or by elevating the limb;

• stiffening of the fingers or toes;

• pins and needles or numbness of the fingers and toes.

*380\90\8*

Share and Enjoy: