01.

Broken Arm FAQ

上肢骨折常见问题

1) How long do bones take to heal?

Usually complete healing takes between 6-8 weeks, depending on the bone and any other associated injuries.

1) 骨折愈合需要多长时间？

一般来说，根据骨骼本身的特点以及与骨折相关的其他损伤，骨折愈合需要6-8周的时间。

2) What are the cast or splints doing for me?

They restrict movement around the broken bones (fracture) to keep the bones from moving so they can heal properly. For a finger fracture, sometimes a simple “buddy strap” or splint is all that is needed to restrict movement of injured areas. If a fracture involves the mid section of the hand or thumb, this area will need to be protected.  When the wrist is broken, the cast will extend from the palm of hand to about mid forearm. If a bone in the elbow is fractured, a “hinged” type of splint is often used which allows a stable, but restricted, amount of motion while bones heal. If the shoulder is fractured, a splint (Sarmiento brace) or sling is often used to reduce motion while healing occurs.

2) 石膏/夹板有什么作用？

它们可以很好地限制骨折部位的运动，从而促进骨折部位更好地愈合。根据骨折部位的不同，石膏/夹板固定的方式也不一样。

当手指骨折时，一个简单的“兄弟式捆绑”或是夹板固定就能够很好地限制损伤部位的活动。

当手的中间部分或是拇指骨折时，这部分所涉及到的整个区域都需要保护起来。

当手腕骨折时，石膏会从手掌区域打到前臂的中间部分。

当肘关节部位的骨头骨折时，临床上经常会使用铰链式的支具，这类支具能允许一定范围内安全的运动。

当肩关节骨折时，临床上经常会使用Sarmiento 支具或肩吊带。

3) How long must I wear a cast or splint? 

This can vary according to what bone is fractured, whether you had to have surgery, and how well your body can heal. If you have had an open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) surgery using metal plates, this acts like an internal cast and you only need a splint or cast for 2-3 weeks.  If you did not have surgery, then a cast or splint is needed to provide external support for healing – you will need to wear this at least 4 weeks (and sometimes longer). Sometimes you can transition from a cast (very restrictive) to a splint (less restrictive) as healing progresses.

3) 骨折后石膏/夹板需要戴多长时间？

根据骨折部位，是否手术以及身体本身愈合能力的不同，需要佩戴的时间也不同。

如果你做过切开复位钢板内固定手术，那么你需要佩戴石膏/夹板2-3周，因为钢板本身就相当于一个内在的石膏。

如果你没有手术保守治疗，那么你至少需要佩戴石膏/夹板4周甚至更长的时间，从而提供外在支持来促进骨折愈合。随着骨折的愈合，你可以从非常限制活动的石膏过渡到相对限制较少的夹板。

4) Can I move my arm when it is broken?  

Yes and no.  It depends on where the fractured bone is located. We usually recommend that you continue to move the joints above and below the fracture that are not being limited by the cast or splint. For example, if a finger is injured, we would recommend you keep moving all the other parts of your arm, including your other fingers. If you are wearing a cast made to protect your wrist, it is very important to keep moving your fingers and elbow. Also, it is important to shrug your shoulders and continue to use your arm for simple, light tasks like getting dressed, brushing hair or eating.

4) 上肢骨折后我的上肢还能动吗？

当然可以，建议你可以继续活动骨折部位以上及以下的关节以避免不必要的关节僵硬无力及疼痛症状。比如：如果你的手指骨折了，但你上肢的其他部分像是肩，肘，腕以及其他未受伤的手指仍然可以活动。如果你的腕关节骨折了，那么你依然可以活动你的手指及肘关节，这是非常重要的。同时鼓励你继续用受伤手做一些简单的日常活动，比如穿衣服，梳头或是吃饭。

5) After I get the cast/splint removed, is it safe to use it like normal? 

Usually the cast/splint is removed before the bones are able to accept full weight bearing or heavy loads. Also, the soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) have often become shorter and weaker. You will need to work on lengthening the muscle and tendons with stretches for the first 3-4 weeks. Then, the muscles will need time to rebuild their power – this can begin around 8 weeks after the injury. But yes, it is safe to use the arm for simple self care tasks, writing/typing and light aerobic exercise.

5) 石膏/夹板移除后，我还可以像之前一样正常活动吗？这安全吗？

通常在骨头能够完全负重或拿重东西前，石膏或夹板就被移除了。这时一些软组织像是肌肉，肌腱，韧带因为长期不动的影响会变短变无力。所以在石膏/夹板移除后的前3-4周，你需要拉伸紧张的肌肉。在受伤后第8周开始，你可以循序渐进地加强骨折处的肌肉力量。此时受伤侧可以做一些简单的活动，像是写字，打字或低强度的有氧运动。

02.

Cast Care

关于石膏的使用

Mild swelling of the injured part is normal, but if the cast is applied while swelling is getting worse, it may make the cast too tight. If the tight cast causes fingers to feel numb or turn blue, the cast must be loosened or replaced as soon as possible.  If you smell foul odor, this may indicate an infection and you need to see the doctor. If your cast breaks, cracks, or becomes loose, let your doctor know immediately. Apply an ice bag and keep your hand or arm elevated the first few days to help reduce swelling and pain. Do not get cast wet. Wrap the cast in plastic when bathing. Move your fingers every day to help prevent stiffness and swelling.

骨折会引起软组织中度的肿胀，这是正常的。但如果打上石膏后肿胀变得更严重，可能代表石膏太紧了。当石膏已经紧到手指麻木或者手指颜色变青时，你需要尽快地把石膏替换下来并弄得松一些。如果你闻到石膏里有难闻的像是腐烂的味道时，这可能意味着伤口有感染，你需要尽快去看医生。如果你的石膏出现裂缝或变松了，你需要尽快让你的医生了解到这个情况。

在受伤后的前几天，可以通过冰敷及手臂抬高来减轻骨折周边的肿胀疼痛，同时你也可以通过每天活动手指来预防僵硬和肿胀。

你需要避免让石膏变湿，在洗澡时你可以用塑料袋把石膏包绕起来以防变湿。

03.

Traditional Casting vs Custom Splints

传统石膏与定制夹板

·      更贴合你的手型

·      方便调整（能够根据你骨折愈合及功能变化情况进行每周一次的调整）

·      更舒服，轻便

·      随穿随取，比如洗澡时可以取下

·      早期能够让你更好地开展康复，从而帮助你更快地恢复正常生活

·      不会损伤皮肤