First aid for fractures of the shin bones

One tenth of all injuries are fractures of the bones of the lower leg. Most of the latter are: fractures of the outer, inner ankle. Such injuries are possible when exposed to intense impact force that occurs during traffic accidents, unsuccessful accidental falls, combined with an unnatural position of the limb, foot. Considering that large bones are damaged, the surrounding soft tissues and vessels may be involved. Such injuries are accompanied by severe pain, significant blood loss.

Anatomy of the bones of the lower leg

The anatomically free lower limb is divided into the thigh, lower leg and foot. The proximal (upper) part of the lower leg is fixed to the thigh, forming a knee joint, in the distal (lower) part of the ankle joint. The bone structures of the lower leg are represented by large tubular bones:

• tibia located medially (closer to the median plane);
• fibula located laterally (farther from the median plane).

The distal epiphyses (lower ends) of both bones expand downward, forming the so-called medial (inner) and lateral (outer) ankles, respectively, the last. These bones are interconnected by fibrous joints, tibiofibular syndesmosis, interosseous membrane, and joints. The bones of the lower leg are often damaged in injuries of the lower extremities.

Fractures

A fracture is a violation of the integrity of the bone structure. Fractures of the bones of the lower leg, depending on the location, are divided into injuries in the area:

• proximal (upper) segment:
• diaphyseal (middle) segment;
• distal (lower).

Separately, damage to the ankle segment (in the area of ​​the ankles) is considered.

Also, fractures are divided depending on the damage to the joint:

• periarticular;
• intraarticular.

According to the damage to the diameter of the bone, fractures are divided into: complete and incomplete.

According to the presence of fragments, bone fragments, there are fractures:

• simple;
• complex (with the presence of fragments).

Injuries to the tibia are a common and rather serious injury. Therefore, it is important to properly provide assistance to the victim with such an injury.

Symptoms of fractures of the bones of the lower leg

Like any bone fracture, the main signs are:

• intense pain at the site of injury, sharply aggravated by movement;
• the impossibility of focusing on the leg;
• deformation, unnatural position of the limb;
• redness or cyanosis of the skin, and if the integrity of the skin is violated, there may be a wound, then they talk about an open fracture;
• local swelling, swelling of soft tissues;
• a feeling of crepitus (crunching) at the site of injury;
• lack of movement of the foot with a fracture of the lower leg and injury to the main nerves of the lower limb (often the peroneal nerve).

Help with fractures of the lower limb

First aid for a fracture of the lower leg, the main directions of action:

1. Stop bleeding, if any;

• if there are signs of arterial bleeding (scarlet blood, it can flow in a stream), a tourniquet is applied above the injury, taking into account the possibility of removing it during immobilization (splinting) and with a time stamp;
• treatment around the wound with an antiseptic, a pressure sterile bandage.

2. Anesthesia

• the introduction of analgesics is carried out intramuscularly, intravenously by specially trained people;
• cold topically, ice applied, cold water bottles wrapped in cloth.

3. Immobilization of the limb with fixation of at least two joints (knee and ankle):

• the injured leg is tied to the healthy one above and below the injury;
• splinting with improvised materials (boards, cardboard) wrapped in soft material. The main splint should run along the back of the leg.

What not to do

In case of fractures of the bones of the lower leg, it is prohibited:

• move the victim before providing first aid;
• independently align the damaged limb;
• pour alcohol solutions of iodine, brilliant green into the wound;
• give drink, eat, as possible vomiting, impaired swallowing.

The injured person should be taken to a medical facility for further examination and assistance.

Conclusion

Performing complex movements, experiencing fairly intense loads, even in everyday life, the lower limbs are injured to a greater extent. Therefore, even small injuries of the latter limit movement, the physical capabilities of a person, cause enough trouble. Properly rendered first aid for injuries is very important in order to avoid possible unpleasant consequences in the future.

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