What Other Emergency Plans Should Everyone Have In Place?
Consider these emergency plans ...
Keep a list of important phone numbers on hand or programmed into your cell phone. These should include doctors, ambulance, hospital, family, insurance company and anyone who can help in an emergency.
Plan ahead for child care for your other children.
Talk with your orthopaedic surgeon about what to do if the fracture occurs during office hours, at night, on weekends or on a holiday.
Setup a plan with your child's school for how to handle a suspected broken bone and review the plan every semester.
College students need a plan for what to do if a fracture happens away from home. They should meet the college health center orthopaedic surgeon before there is an emergency.
Adults need a plan for what to do if they fracture in the work place, including arranging transportation and notifying family members.
Consider visiting your local fire and rescue station to inform them about OI and possibly leaving a diagram of your house to show where the person with OI sleeps.
What If Rodding Surgery Is Needed And The Hospital Is Far Away?
Contact your usual orthopaedic surgeon as soon as possible after the fracture to plan the best course of action. Variables to consider include how long the person will be immobilized, pain control and the best hospital for the surgery.
If on vacation or several hours drive from physicians who are familiar with OI, the nearest ER can stabilize the fracture with a splint or cast and prescribe pain medication. The patient can then be transported to the hospital of choice. Most physicians will understand that the patient prefers to have surgery performed by a surgeon who is familiar with the patient and his/her condition.
Each situation is unique and open communication is vital. When planning ahead for rodding surgery, work with the surgeon to create an action plan in case a fracture occurs before the scheduled operation.
Are There Any Special Recommendations For Treating Fractures In People With OI?
Until a broken bone is stabilized, any movement will cause pain and in some cases muscle spasms, which cause more pain. Immobilizing the broken bone can relieve pain and encourage healing. Orthopaedic surgeons who are experienced in the care of people with OI recommend using the lightest weight materials possible for the shortest period of time possible. Plaster casts, when used, need to be handled carefully. They are heavy and may cause another bone break above or below the cast.
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