Effectiveness of Health Education Programmed on Knowledge regarding Management of Orthopedic Appliances among Fracture Patients at RL Jalappa Hospital, Kolar

Fracture is a disruption or break in the continuity of the bone. It usually occurs as a result of blow to the body, a fall, or accident. Traumatic injuries account the majority of the fractures, although some fractures are secondary to a disease (pathological fractures). The highest incidence of fracture in males is between the age group of 15 to 24 years and in women it is 65 years or above [1]. Majority of patients with injuries of the musculoskeletal system will be managed by bed rest, immobilization and rehabilitation itself without requirement of surgical intervention. Immobilization is achieved by orthopedic appliances. These appliances produce skeletal changes by applying force with the help of plaster cast and braces [2]. The patient with plaster cast may develop cast syndrome due to obstruction of superior mesenteric artery and it can be prevented if symptoms are recognized quickly and treatment instituted in a timely manner. Expected complications of plaster of Paris cast are impaired blood flow, nerve damage, tissue necrosis, infection, cast syndrome and also other complications may arise due to prolonged immobilization like hypostatic pneumonia, foot drop, renal calculi, stiffness of joints, constipation, pressure ulcer etc [3]. A study was conducted to assess the knowledge on fracture among 127 osteoporosis patients with recent fragility fracture at Hamilton Health Sciences hospital. The results showed that, majority of patients were unaware of important risk factors related to fracture. The study concluded that education initiatives are essential in improving knowledge among individuals in fracture clinics, acute care and rehabilitation settings, as these areas are an ideal place to communicate information [4]. Majority of musculoskeletal disorders are relatively long time in nature. The care and management of this condition needs a specialized orthopedic nursing practice5. After going through the related literature it was found that there were no studies either in India or abroad specifically related to management of orthopedic appliances. Hence the researcher felt with an objective to evaluate the effectiveness of structures health education programmed on management of orthopedic appliances among fracture patients. Abstract