A fracture is a term medical professionals use to refer to a broken bone. Fractures can happen to anyone in any body part. Physical trauma, overuse, and health issues like osteoporosis are the leading causes of fractures. As you age, you are more likely to get Crown Point fractures as your bones become more brittle. Swelling, pain, discolored skin around the injured area, difficulty moving the affected area, and bruising are the common symptoms of fractures. The treatment your doctor uses to treat your fracture will depend on the fracture type, age, and overall health.
Types of bone fractures
Closed fracture: A closed fracture is where your injury does not break open your skin.
Open fractures: An open fracture, also known as a compound fracture, is where the injury does not open your skin.
Complete fractures: The break goes through your bone, separating it into two or more pieces.
Displaced fractures: In displaced fractures, a gap occurs where your bone breaks. This fracture mostly requires surgery to treat.
Partial fractures: In partial bone fractures, the break does not all through your bone.
Stress fractures: Your bone gets a crack, which can be challenging to see through imaging tests.
Diagnosis for bone fractures
X-rays: An x-ray produces a two-dimensional image of your bone fracture. In most cases, healthcare providers use an x-ray as the first imaging test.
Bone scan: Your doctor can recommend a bone scan if your fracture does not show on an X-ray. This test takes an extended period, about two visits four hours apart.
CT scan: A CT scan involves computers and X-rays to produce detailed slices or cross-sections of your bone.
MRI: A MRI uses strong magnetic fields to create detailed images of your bone. Doctors mostly use MRI to diagnose stress fractures.
Treatment for bone fractures
Casts or splints
Casts wrap your bone fracture with solid protection. On the other hand, splints protect one side of your fracture. Casts and splints ensure the broken section does not move and keep it straight. Your fracture gradually gets back together and heals. If your fracture involves smaller bones like fingers and toes, your doctor may wrap your injury before placing a splint.
Traction
Traction involves using pulleys and weights to help stretch muscles and tendons around your broken bone. Traction helps align your bone, promoting healing.
Surgery
Some bone fractures require surgery. The surgery may include:
Open reduction and internal fixation: This surgery involves your surgeon reducing the bone fragments into their normal alignment. The surgeon holds the bones together with particular screws or attaches metal plates to the outer surface of your bone. Your surgeon can also hold together fragments by inserting rods down through the center of the bone.
External fixation: This operation involves your surgeon placing metal pins or screws into the fractured bone above and below the broken site. The screws are connected to a metal bar outside your skin. This device holds your bone in the correct position as it heals.
A fracture is a medical term for a broken bone. Sometimes your body can repair a fracture independently, but medical care is essential to keep your bone in place. Schedule an appointment at North Point Orthopedics for fracture treatment to relieve your pain.
