Broken Bones and Joints How to Ensure the Best Outcome

Evaluation of the patient should begin always with the ABC’s (airway, breathing, circulation). The fracture or joint abnormality may be the obvious injury but it may be minor compared to an unseen injuries such as a pneumothorax or hemoabdomen. Oxygen should be provided to multitrauma patients and appropriate intravenous fluids provided to resuscitate the animal. Analgesics are indicated once the patient has been fully evaluated and resuscitation has been started.

Active bleeding from wounds associated with open fractures will need to be controlled either with direct pressure or emergency ligation if required. All wounds should be kept moist and clean. Wounds should be covered as soon as possible with sterile water soluble lubricant followed by sterile gauze to prevent further contamination and injury. A temporary padded bandage or splint should then be placed. Further assessment can be completed once the patient has been evaluated and resuscitation started if necessary.

If closed fractures are evident they should be clipped to check for wounds and extent of bruising if time permits and then should be stabilized. Temporary splints always should be placed before radiographs are taken. This may prevent a closed fracture from becoming an open fracture. Stabilization also helps prevent further tissue injury secondary to movement of bone fragments, and helps provide comfort to the patient. Further assessment can be completed once the patient has been resuscitated. […]