A fracture is a loss of continuity in the structure of a bone. When a fracture to a bone occurs, the sharp fragments may injure surrounding tissue, such as nerves, vessels, and connective tissue. However, it is important to note that bones are also living tissue and have a rich Blood supply. If a bone is fractured, the vessels within the bone may be torn or ruptured. This sometimes leads to severe bleeding from the bone itself rather than from the surrounding vessels or tissue. A patient can lose from 1,000 to 2,000 mL of blood from a fractured femur. A bleeding pelvic fracture may cause the loss of up to 2,000 mL of blood into the pelvic cavity. Thus, a person who has suffered a bone fractures; look for signs and symptoms of bleeding at the fracture site. Also, if the bleeding is severe, be aware that it may produce a shock state. Bones have both arteries and veins, though only arteries. The vessels enter and exit through openings in the compact outer bone layers. They branch and extends throughout the marrow cavity and into the spongy bone at the ends. Because they are so richly supplied with blood vessels, bones can bleed profusely when fractured. |
Archives
October 2016
Categories |