Fracture First Aid: What To Do Immediately and When To See an Orthopaedic Surgeon

When a fracture (broken bone) occurs, immediate first aid can reduce complications, control pain, and protect the injured limb until expert care is available. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes makes a big difference.

First Aid Checklist for Suspected Fractures

Stop bleeding (if present):
- Apply gentle, firm pressure with a clean cloth or sterile bandage.
- Do not remove objects stuck in the wound—stabilize them instead.
Immobilize the area:
- Keep the injured limb still; do not attempt to push bones back into place.
- Use a splint that covers the joint above and below the fracture site.
Ice and elevate:
- Apply ice packs wrapped in a cloth for 15–20 minutes every hour to control swelling.
- Keep the limb elevated above heart level if possible.
Pain control:
- Over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol or NSAIDs may be used if safe and not contraindicated.

💡 Do not give the patient food or drink in case surgery is needed soon.

Red Flags: When to Seek Urgent Orthopaedic Care

Call emergency services or go to a hospital immediately if you notice:

Open wounds with bone visible
Severe deformity or angulation of the limb
Inability to move fingers or toes below the injury site
Numbness, tingling, blue/pale skin indicating poor circulation
Uncontrolled pain not relieved by rest or medication

Why Immediate Medical Attention Matters

Delaying care for a fracture can lead to:

Improper healing or bone malalignment
Increased risk of infection (especially in open fractures)
Long-term complications such as arthritis or chronic pain

At Orthoplanet, Mumbai, Dr. Abhijit Kale provides:

Rapid fracture assessment with on-site digital X-rays
Advanced fixation techniques (plates, screws, rods) for stable healing
Comprehensive trauma care including pain management and rehabilitation support

👉 Visit our Fracture & Trauma service or Contact for urgent orthopaedic consultation with Dr. Abhijit Kale, trauma and joint replacement specialist in Mumbai.

FAQs

Should I try to realign a broken bone before splinting?
No. Never attempt to straighten or push a bone back into place. Improper handling can worsen the injury or damage blood vessels and nerves.

Can I treat a fracture at home if the pain is mild?
No. Even small or “hairline” fractures require medical assessment to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term issues.

What’s the difference between a sprain and a fracture?
A sprain affects ligaments, while a fracture is a break in the bone. If in doubt, treat it as a fracture until X-rays confirm otherwise.

Takeaway: Quick first aid—immobilization, icing, elevation, and pain control—can protect an injured limb until medical care is available. Always seek urgent evaluation for red flags. With Dr. Abhijit Kale’s orthopaedic trauma expertis