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Multiple bone fractures occur when a person undergoes severe trauma, such as in an automobile accident, motorcycle accident, bicycle accident, or slip and fall. However, multiple bone fractures are also good indications that a person was assaulted or abused, such as in elder physical abuse and child abuse cases. Multiple bone fractures means that one bone, or several bones, are fractured in more than one place. Multiple bone fractures can also mean the bone continues to fracture. Severe trauma can include:
- automobile accidents
- motorcycle accidents
- bicycle accidents
- slips and falls
- assault
- physical abuse
Fractures can occur when a person if physically abused, especially when a person has frail bones, such as in the case of an elderly person or a child.
Symptoms of bone fractures include:
- pain
- swelling
- bruising
- inability to move the limb
Doctors determine whether bones are fractured by taking an X-ray. From the X-ray, doctors can determine the location, size, and severity of the break. After that, doctors treat the fracture. Sometimes, if swelling is too severe, doctors can’t place the limb in a cast. Instead, the doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory medicine, put the limb in a sling or wrap, and ask the patient to come back in a day or two. After the swelling has subsided, the doctor can apply a cast.
The amount of time a patient has to wear a cast depends upon the severity of the fractures, the locations, the health of the patient, and the bones involved. Some bones take longer to heal. Some patients have weaker bones because of age, illness or medication they are taking.
If you think you have fractured a bone, call 911. Try to remain as still as possible. If your fracture has broken through the skin, remove any visible dirt or debris, but don’t flush or scrub it. You can apply an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.
Tags: abuse, assault, automobile accident, bone-fractures, broken bones, child abuse, elder abuse, multiple bone fractures