Cut over a possible broken bone
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Cut over a possible broken bone
Open skin over a possible fracture site may indicate that a broken bone has come through the skin (open fracture) or that the force of the injury split the tissue open down to the fracture. You may see or feel a broken bone by gently touching the injured area.
Splint the limb or joint in the injured position, without trying to straighten it. Elevate the injured area and apply a dry bandage (sterile bandage is best, but a clean cloth will work). An evaluation by a health professional is needed immediately. Keep the injured area elevated while transporting the injured person to a medical facility. Do all you can to keep the wound clean and to avoid further injury to the area.
Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Last Updated | June 10, 2008 |
| Last updated: | June 10, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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