Fracture First Aid.

Why a Wooden Ruler Is Used to Immobilize Broken Bones

I recently saw a young boy with bandages wrapped around his arm.

And it brought back memories from my childhood.

When children would break or dislocate their arm and it'd be wrapped with bandages and wooden rulers.

Do you also find it interesting that more boys than girls break their arms in their early childhood?

The bandage would get rough and dirty easily because children would always play, but what would always fascinate me is the wooden ruler.

Now that I know, let me help you know too.

What Is a Fracture?

A fracture is simply a break in the continuity of the bone. Simply a break in its structure.

It is often caused by trauma such as falls, road traffic accidents, or direct blows. It can also occur due to diseases that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis.

Types of Fractures: Open and Closed.

A fracture can be termed open if the broken bone protrudes through the skin.

Or closed if the skin is intact.

An interesting fact about the human body is that it is capable of healing itself as long as it is put in the right condition.

Why Immobilization Is Important in Fracture Healing.

In fracture healing, one major principle is immobilization.

This refers to preventing the bone fragments from moving.

During fracture healing, bone-forming cells called osteoblasts play a major role in forming new bone tissue that bridges the broken ends.

But this would only work if the bone is aligned and immobilized.

It's like wanting to glue two pieces of plastic together and they keep moving.

Do you think the glue would work and the plastic would get back into shape?

No.

That's how it is with bones too.

That's where the rulers come in.

They're used to keep the bone in position before wrapping it with a bandage so healing can be promoted.

This principle of immobilization is one that can save limbs if done as first aid.

So when you see a fracture and you’re trying to help, your help becomes even more effective if you immobilize the limb before getting to the hospital.

Immobilization also helps reduce pain, prevent further injury and promote proper alignment for healing

What if a ruler isn't available?

Any solid material that's clean and can support the limb can be used.

You can use cartons, sticks, or even rods.

Note: Immobilization is a first aid measure and does not replace proper medical evaluation. Anyone with a suspected fracture should be taken to the hospital as soon as possible.

And we have come to the end of the first episode of the First Aid & Emergency segment of Health over Tea.

When next you see a limb wrapped with a ruler, I hope you smile and say Thank you Health over Tea.

Thank you for reading.

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Till another Tuesday,

Byeee.