A fracture indicates a broken bone. Bones can be partially fractured or completely fractured crosswise, lengthwise, or in multiple pieces. Fractures can occur in a variety of ways, from car accidents to sports mishaps. A fracture can also be a result of an underlying bone condition such as osteoperosis.
Bones are semi-flexible. They will bend to a certain extent when an outside force is applied, but once their capacity to bend is reached, the bone will break. The severity of the fracture depends on how much force was put on the bone. In some cases, a bone may crack rather than break completely. However, in instances of extreme pressure, a bone may shatter completely.If a bone is broken to the extent that fragments stick out through the skin, the fracture is called an “open” fracture. This type of fracture is extremely serious because once the skin is broken, the wound and bone are susceptible to infection.
There are three common causes of fractures. Trauma indicates a contact injury, caused by a car accident, a fall, or a sports injury. Osteoporosis is a disorder that weakens bones, making them more easy to break. Someone with osteoporosis may incur a severe fracture doing an activity that would have little to no impact for someone not suffering from the disorder. Finally, overuse of bones can lead to stress fractures. This type of fracture is common for athletes who often engage in repeated motions that tire and strain muscles.
There are a few types of common fractures. A stable fracture refers to when the broken ends of the bone line up and are hardly out of place. Transverse fractures indicates a horizontal fracture line. Oblique fractures have an angled pattern. A comminuted fracture occurs when the bone shatters into more than three pieces.
Fractures are typically accompanied by severe pain and an inability to move the affected area. Other symptoms include swelling, bruising, and deformity. When experiencing any of these symptoms, call your doctor at Bone & Joint Clinic. We will examine you as quickly as possible, typically using X-Rays to determine the extent of a broken bone. Based on these, your doctor will move forward with a treatment plan to restore your bone back to its original position. Commonly patients have a cast or brace to stabilize the bone and prevent it from moving out of place until fully healed. In some cases, patients may need surgery to repair a fracture.
However your injury was sustained, Bone & Joint Clinic can offer you the personalized treatment and attention you need. Our orthopedic surgeons can evaluate your condition to determine whether or not surgery is your best option. Our primary goal in treating fractures is returning you to a pain free lifestyle with restored mobility.