A fracture is a broken bone that results from trauma, such as an accident or sports injury. Occasionally, fractures can be caused by specific medical conditions or repetitive force.
In the case of a broken bone, surgery will be required. A minor fracture may require a splint, brace, sling, or cast to allow the bone to heal. It depends on the fractured bone, where the fracture is located, as well as the cause of the fracture, and how long it takes for the bone to heal fully.
Bone fractures can be classified into different types. Depending on the force, the direction, the bone involved, the person's age, and their general health, some injuries are more severe than others.
The following are common types of bone fractures:
- Avulsion fracture: The bone is fractured by a muscle or ligament pulling on it.
- Comminuted fracture: The bone is broken into many pieces as a result of an impact.
- Compression fracture: It usually occurs in the spongy bones of the spine.
- Fracture dislocation: occurs when joint fractures and dislocates.
- Greenstick fracture: A bone partially fractures on one side, but not entirely, since the rest is flexible.
- Hairline fracture: A thin, partial fracture.
- Impacted fracture: A piece of a fractured bone may impact another bone.
- Intra-articular fracture: When a fracture extends into the joint surface.
- Longitudinal fracture: Where the fracture extends the entire length of the bone.
- Oblique fracture: This type of fracture occurs opposite to the long axis of the bone.
- Pathological fracture: A fracture caused by a weakening of the bone.
- Spiral fracture: Bones break by twisting at least one way.
- Stress fracture: Fractures can occur as a result of repeated stress and strain. Athletes often experience this.
- Transverse fracture: Bones are broken straight across.
Complications of bone fractures
Bone fractures can also cause the following problems:
- Loss of blood – bones are well supplied with blood. It is possible to lose a large amount of blood after a bad break.
- Injuries to organs, tissues, or surrounding structures – for example, skull fractures can damage the brain. During a rib break, the chest organs can be injured.
- Stunted growth of the bone – caused by a broken long bone near the growth plates.
Symptoms
Fractures have different symptoms depending on their location, a person's age, and the severity of their injury.
In general, people with bone fractures will experience the following symptoms:
- Pain & swelling
- bruising
- Affected areas have discoloured skin
- The affected area protrudes at an unusual angle
- Having difficulty bearing weight on the injured area
- Unable to move the affected area
- Inflammation of the bone or joint that causes a grating sensation
- Open fractures may bleed
A person may experience the following symptoms in more severe cases:
- dizziness
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- nausea
How common are bone fractures?
The most common injury is a bone fracture. It is estimated that millions of people break a bone each year.
How are bone fractures diagnosed?
A healthcare provider usually an orthopaedic, will make the diagnosis of a bone fracture after a physical exam and imaging tests. Trauma patients might have this done in the emergency room after they are admitted.
X-rays: An X-ray confirms any fractures and shows the extent of bone damage.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is used to get a complete picture of the damaged bones and the area around them, and it will show tissue like cartilage and ligaments around your bones too.
CT scan: A CT scan will give a more detailed picture of your bones and the surrounding tissue than an X-ray.
Recovery Management:
The process of bone healing occurs naturally in most cases. Therefore, treatment usually focuses on healing the injured bone and ensuring its optimal function.
The natural healing process begins when the fracture is reduced by a doctor. Broken bones are lined up by aligning their ends. An ortho specialist can manipulate the affected area externally in cases of smaller fractures. Some cases, however, may require surgery.
As soon as orthopaedics align the fracture, they will make sure it stays in place.
This can be done by using a trusted source, such as:
1. Casts or braces
2. Metal plates and screws
3. A nail or rod inserted into a bone cavity, or intramedullary nails
4. External fixings
Depending on their severity, fractures can take several weeks to several months to heal. Depending on which bone has become affected and if there are any complications, such as a blood supply issue or an infection, the duration varies.
Physical therapy may be needed after the bone has healed to restore muscle strength and mobility.
Fractures near or through joints can cause stiffness or arthritis in the long run. The injury may affect a person's ability to bend the joint.
Limiting the damage caused by fractures
Several remedies and lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of bone fractures.
Diet can affect a person's fracture risk. Healthy bones require adequate calcium supplies. Dark green leafy vegetables, milk, cheese, and yoghurt are all good sources of calcium. Calcium absorption also requires vitamin D. Sunlight and eating eggs and oily fish are good ways to obtain vitamin D.Weight-bearing exercise can enhance muscle mass and bone density. Fractures can be prevented by either of these methods.
Studies have shown that regular exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce osteoporosis fracture risk.
Disclaimer
This is general information about the disease and treatment options, please consult an ortho specialist for the right diagnosis and treatment which may vary based on each patient.
Ortho Care at Royal care
RoyalCare Hospitals operates a dedicated 24 Hours Fracture Clinic, offering support for various types of fractures. In open fractures, we perform debridement, apply external fixators, and utilize staged plastic procedures. Closed fractures are treated with nailing, plating, tension band wiring, and cerclage. Our expertise extends to paediatric fractures, treated with precision using TENS, plating, and external fixation methods. We offer hemiarthroplasty for geriatric hip fractures. Small bone fractures are managed with precision using techniques. Book an appointment with our Ortho specialist for consultation.
