Which signs indicate a fracture?

Which signs indicate a fracture?

• A. Swelling and loss of pulse in the injured arm or leg and crepitus under the skin
• B. Redness without swelling
• C. Numbness only
• D. Bruising without swelling

Answer: (C)

Numbness after a traumatic injury points to nerve involvement near the injured bone, which can happen with a fracture or a fracture-dislocation. When a bone is broken, nearby nerves can be stretched, compressed, or injured, and the resulting disruption in nerve signaling often shows up as numbness or altered sensation distal to the injury. This makes numbness a particularly important sign because it signals potential complications beyond just the surface injury, and it underscores the need for immobilization and prompt medical evaluation to prevent further nerve damage. Other signs can occur with fractures, such as swelling, deformity, or bruising, but those findings are less specific to nerve injury. Redness by itself is not a reliable fracture sign. If numbness is present, keep the limb still, immobilize it with a splint, check distal sensation and circulation, and seek care as soon as possible.

Numbness after a traumatic injury points to nerve involvement near the injured bone, which can happen with a fracture or a fracture-dislocation. When a bone is broken, nearby nerves can be stretched, compressed, or injured, and the resulting disruption in nerve signaling often shows up as numbness or altered sensation distal to the injury. This makes numbness a particularly important sign because it signals potential complications beyond just the surface injury, and it underscores the need for immobilization and prompt medical evaluation to prevent further nerve damage.

Other signs can occur with fractures, such as swelling, deformity, or bruising, but those findings are less specific to nerve injury. Redness by itself is not a reliable fracture sign. If numbness is present, keep the limb still, immobilize it with a splint, check distal sensation and circulation, and seek care as soon as possible.