CMScript 13 of 2022: Focus on Fractures of the limb bones

A fracture is a broken or cracked bone. A bone may be completely or partially fractured in a number of ways (crosswise, lengthwise, or in multiple pieces). Although bones are rigid, they do bend somewhat when an outside force is applied. If the force is too great, bones will however break. The severity of a fracture depends on the force that caused the bone to break. If the breaking point of the bone has been exceeded only slightly, the bone may crack rather than break all the way through. If the force is extreme, the bone may shatter.

Open and closed fractures of the limb excluding fingers and toes are included in the Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) Regulations. Fractures are also included in the PMB Regulations as an emergency medical condition.

Prevention of fractures
There are some things that we can do to decrease our risk of bone fractures, for instance:
• Including vitamin D and calcium in the diet to keep bones strong.
• Do not smoke cigarettes as the tobacco and nicotine increase the risk for bone fractures as well as it interferes with the healing process.
• Find out what your risk is for osteoporosis and get treatment.
• Weight bearing exercises can help keep bones strong.

Download the CMScript here.