What is the purpose of using immobilization in fracture management?

The purpose of using immobilization in fracture management is to prevent movement and promote healing of the fractured bone. When a fracture occurs, the surrounding tissues, including muscles and ligaments, can be impacted, potentially leading to complications if movement is allowed. Immobilization stabilizes the fracture, aligning the broken bone fragments properly to facilitate natural healing. This stability reduces the risk of further injury to the fracture site and enables the body to repair the bone effectively.

While reducing swelling and inflammation, preventing infection, and enhancing mobility may be important considerations in overall patient care, they play a secondary role to the primary objective of immobilization, which is to maintain bone alignment and stability during the healing process. Immobilization directly contributes to the healing environment necessary for bones to mend correctly.