Fractures are broken bones. They can be simple (hairline) or complicated (multiple bones, displaced/out of alignment, or open - AKA sticking out of the skin). Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising and sometimes obvious deformity.
Picture
Displaced fracture of the left radius and ulna
How long does it take for bones to heal?
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- In Children (below age 12): it can take 3-6 weeks
- In Adults: It can take 6-12 weeks
EVALUATION:
  • Any pinpoint tenderness?
  • Any obvious bone deformity?
  • Any open wound where bone may have poked through?
  • Can you fell a pulse? 

TREATMENT:
  • If no pulse and/or toes/fingers are turning blue, apply traction to reset bones (hold pressure above fracture and pull gently but firmly on the area below the fracture, until bones seem aligned.
  • Splint fracture to keep joints above and below fracture stable
  • If no splinting material or elastic bandages handy, can use sticks, pieces of wood, rolled up newspaper or magazines and bandanas, dish towels, T-shirts
  • Put splinted arm in a sling (can make one)
  • Use crutches or avoid bearing weight on broken legs.