Long bone fracture

Relative rest, elevation, cautious use of cryotherapy (ice application), and appropriate analgesics are important. The patient must be instructed in proper care of the splint or cast, and in proper use of crutches or other assistive devices as appropriate. It is also important to counsel the patient regarding safety in activities of daily living (e.g., a person with a healing stress fracture of the left tibia may be perfectly able to drive a car safely, but a person wearing a left long leg cast should not drive). Patients undergoing surgery for major extremity trauma should be counseled that there may be an increased risk for surgical site infection if they smoke or have diabetes or obesity.[77]American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Prevention of surgical site infections after major extremity trauma. Evidence-based clinical practice guideline. Mar 2022 [internet publication]. https://www.aaos.org/globalassets/quality-and-practice-resources/dod/ssitrauma/ssitraumacpg.pdf Significant alcohol use (>14 units per week) increases the risk of infection postoperatively.[77]American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Prevention of surgical site infections after major extremity trauma. Evidence-based clinical practice guideline. Mar 2022 [internet publication]. https://www.aaos.org/globalassets/quality-and-practice-resources/dod/ssitrauma/ssitraumacpg.pdf