Bone Fracture: Symptoms,Causes and Treatments
Bone fractures are breaks in bone tissue that can occur in any bone due to injuries or medical conditions that weaken the bones. They can be very painful and take time to heal. This includes osteoporosis and some specific types of cancer. The medical term for This is a pathologic fracture.
Causes of Bone Fractures
Bone fractures can be classified into different types. Here are some examples of fracture types. It includes:
- Traumatic incidents
- sports injuries
- vehicle accidents
- and falls can lead to bone fractures,
- especially for people with conditions such as osteoporosis and some types of cancer.
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Get A Second OpinionSymptoms
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruises
- Discolored skin around the affected area
- Protrusion of the affected area at an unusual angle
- Unable to put weight on the injured area
- Inability to move the affected area
- A grinding sensation in the affected bone or joint
- Bleeding if it is an open fracture
In more serious cases, people may experience:
Traumatic bone injuries can happen any time & anywhere. Book an Appointment today with our best orthopedists to avoid these serious consequences.
Types Of Bone Fractures
A bone fracture can generally be categorized based on its characteristics. These categories include:
Types of Fractures are:
- Transverse Fracture : Caused by traumatic events like falls or car accidents.
- Closed or Open Fractures : Closed if skin remains intact; open if the skin breaks.
- Greenstick Fracture : Hairline crack in bone, common in children due to bone flexibility.
- Hairline Fracture: Often a stress fracture common in -testfoot or lower leg from repetitive stress.
- Comminuted Fracture : Bone breaks into 3 or more pieces; fragments found at the fracture site.
- Avulsion Fracture: Tendon or ligament tears off a piece of bone.
- Compression Fracture : Common in the spine, causing vertebrae to collapse, especially in seniors with osteoporosis.
- Impacted Fracture : Broken bone ends come together forcefully.
Diagnosis
The doctor will perform a physical evaluation and order imaging tests to determine the type and severity of the fracture.
- X-rays produce a two-dimensional image of the break.
- A bone scan is used to find fractures that do not show up on an x-ray.
- A Computed Tomography Scan uses computers and X-rays to create detailed cross-sections of the bone.
- An MRI creates very detailed images using strong magnetic fields. MRI is often used to diagnose a stress fracture.
Treatment
Bone Healing Techniques Include:
- Splint, Brace, or Cast : Stabilize and support broken bone during healing.
- Traction : Uses pulleys and weights to gently stretch muscles and align bone ends.
- Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) Surgery : Realignment of severe fractures using rods, screws, and plates.
- External Fixation : Metal pins or screws inserted above and below fracture site, connected to external metal bar.
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Book an AppointmentComplications
Although bone fractures usually heal well with proper treatment, there can be complications, such as:
- A fracture may heal in the wrong position, or the bones may move during the healing process.
- If a childhood bone fracture is interrupted during healing, this can affect the typical development of that bone.
- In a compound fracture, bacteria may enter through the skin and infect the bone or bone marrow.
Prevention
- Always wear the seat belt when riding in a motor vehicle.
- Always wear the proper safety gear (helmets and other protective padding) for recreational activities such as bicycling, snowboarding, or contact sports.
- Keep hallways and stairwells free of tripping hazards.
- If a person has osteoporosis, exercise regularly to improve strength and balance.
Talk to the doctor about starting bone-building medications and supplements (such as calcium and vitamin D).
