Fighters who get MMA training in MD have to be careful of fracturing their bones. A break or fracture in the bone could be open or closed. When there is no break in the skin to the fractured or broken bone is reffered to as a closed or simple fracture. An open (compound) fracture, which is more serious, results when the broken ends of the bone pierce the skin or when a sharp object penetrates the skin and fractures the underlying bone. No matter what the case may be, the opening between the bone that has been fractured or broken and the skin has a very high risk of getting infected. A fracture is a serious injury not only because the bone is broken, but because of the potential injury in the surrounding soft tissue. There is always the possibility of disability as well as tendons, ligaments, nerves, or other parts of the body being damaged due to the injury. Instructors that coach MMA in MD have to be educated on what to do if a fracture occurs. A simple fall could cause a break, or direct hit, all depending on the amount of force put on the bone. Following are signs of possible bone fractures:
· Audible snap at the time of injury
· Abnormal motion or position of the injured limb
· Inability to bear weight on the limb
· Inflammation
· Deformity
· Discoloration
· Pain or tenderness to the touch
Splinting or immobilizing a fractured limb protects it against further injury during transportation, reduces pain, and prevents bone fragments from injuring arteries or other tissues. In fact, you could convert simple objects into a temporary splint by just using household objects or equipment around the MMA gym. Newspapers, rolled blankets, exercsie mats and straight sticks are just a few examples. The splint should be long enough to extend pass the joints above and below the suspected fracture and should be padded to prevent pressure injuries from hard surfaces or sharp edges. Staff member of schools that teach MMA in MD are educated in first-aid and know how to splint an extremity.