FRACTURES

  Fractures of the bones are always very traumatic experiences. A simple fracture involves solely the bones, whereas a compound fracture causes the skin to be broken. In a complete fracture the bone is entirely broken, whereas in an incomplete fracture, the bone is cracked. The most serious fractures are those to the skull and spine. Do not move the victim more than necessary as it may cause further injury. Severe bleeding must be dealt with immediately (refer) and loss of consciousness (refer) should be attended to before the fracture. Cover the broken skin or protruding ends of the bone with sterile gauze. A ring dressing may be place over the site of the compound fracture and secured with a bandage to kept it from being touched. Call the emergency services immediately.

   If the accident has taken place in an isolated area, such as the wildness, immobilize the affected part to prevent further injury and bleeding. Bandage the arm against the chest, one leg to the other, or make a split if the person must be moved. Give Arnica immediately to prevent shock, relieve pain and stop bleeding, or Aconite is there is fear and panic. If there is shock refer to the remedies specific for this condition. If a compound fracture becomes infected refer to section on infected wounds.

Materia Medica

ACONITE (1). The victim is fearful, restless, and panicky. Sudden, acute, violent invasions of heat, fever, chills call for this remedy.

ARNICA (3). Give Arnica as soon as possible to prevent shock, relieve pain, stop bleeding, and hinder infection.

CALCAREA CARB (1). This remedy is useful where there is defective development of bone, especially in cold, fat, flabby, sweaty individuals who have excess of poor quality tissue demonstrating mal-assimilation of calcium. The bones are soft and there may be non union of fractures.

CALCAREA FLOURICA (1). Useful in cases where there is malnutrition of bones. Indurations of stony hardness threatening suppuration. Suppuration of the bones after compound fractures, ulcers with thick yellow pus.

CALCAREA PHOS (3). Very useful in non union of fractures. This remedy can be used in the biochemical 6x potency as a routine remedy to promotes rapid healing of the bones. Numbness and crawling. Easily bored. Always wants to go somewhere.

CALENDULA (2). Useful in compound fractures to prevent infection and promote healing of tissues. May be given after Arn. has removed the immediate shock and pain. Use both internally and external on open wounds.

EUPATORIUM PER. (2). In folk medicine the herb, Thoroughwort, is called "bone-set" as it was used to relieve severe bone pains. Bruised feelings, as if broken, all over the body. Intense aching pains in the bones call for this remedy. Worse < periodically Better > by conversation and getting on the hands and knees.

HYPERICUM (2). Preventative to tetanus in compound fractures. Spasm after every injury. Useful in fractured skulls, bone splinters, and injuries to the spine. Fractures with much concomitant nerve damage and crush injuries. Relieves pain after operations and other invasive medical procedures.

RUTA (3). Useful in fractures where there has been much damage to the tendons, ligaments, and periosteum. All parts of the body are painful and feel as if they are bruised. Injured bruised bones. Has a direct effect on the wrist and ankles. Feeling of intense lassitude, weakness and despair. Worse < lying down and from cold, damp weather. Complementary to Calc-p. which may follow Ruta once the bruised pains have been relieved.

SILICA (2). Useful in removing bone splinters. Adapted to individuals who have pipe stem bones, are cold, chilly, hugs the fire, wants plenty warm clothing, hates drafts, cold hands and feet. Suitable for gentle, yielding temperaments who appear to lack "grit" mentally and physically.

SYMPHYTUM (3). Comfrey is called "Knitbone" in herbology. Useful in non union of fractures and irritable bones at the point of injury. Irritable stump pain after amputation. This remedy is use routinely for fractures