Fracture- All You Need To Know

A fracture is a crack in the bone that may be partial or complete. If a fracture occurs, it can be categorized as open or closed: An open fracture (also known as a compound fracture) is a type of broken bone where a deep wound reveals the bone through the skin, or the bone pokes through the skin and can be seen. In case of closed fracture (also called simple fracture), the skin remains intact, but the bone is damaged.

In this article, Dr. Sandeep Singh who is one of the best Bhubaneswar based orthopedic doctor will discuss everything that you should know about fracture.

Fractures are referred to by a number of names. The following is a list of the most popular forms that can occur:

• Greenstick- This is a partial fracture. Because a part of the bone is broken, the other side bends.
• Transverse- The break runs through the bone in a straight line.
• Spiral- In a spiral injury, the break spirals around the joint.
• Oblique. The fracture is vertical.
• Compression- The bone has been crushed & as a result, the fractured bone appears to be broader or flatter.
• Comminuted- The bone has fractured into three or four pieces, and the fracture site is full of fragments.
• Segmental- There is a “floating” fragment of bone because the same bone is broken in two places.

What are the causes of fractures?

• Fractures arise when more stress is applied to the bone than it can withstand. When bones are bent, they become the weakest.
• Falls, trauma, or a direct hit or kick to the body may all result in bone fractures.
• Overuse or repeated movements can fatigue muscles and increase bone pressure. Stress fractures occur as a result of this. Athletes are more likely to experience this.
• Diseases that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis or bone cancer, may also cause fractures.

What are the signs and symptoms of a broken bone or fracture?

The following are the most common fracture symptoms. Symptoms, on the other hand, can vary from person to person. The following are some of the signs and symptoms of a broken or fractured bone:

• Sudden pain
• Affects the movement of injured area or nearby joints
• Swelling
• Obvious deformity
• Warmth, bruising, or redness

The signs and symptoms of a broken bone may be confused with those of other medical conditions or problems. A diagnosis should always be sought from a healthcare professional.

How do you know if you have a fracture?

Tests for a fracture can include the following in addition to a full medical history (including asking how the injury occurred) and physical exam:

X-ray- Internal tissues, bones, and organs are photographed on film using invisible electromagnetic energy beams as a diagnostic method.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)- Large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer are used in this imaging test to generate accurate images of body structures.

CT scan- This is an imaging procedure that allows accurate representations of the body using X-rays and a computer. The bones, muscles, fat, and organs are all visible on a CT scan.

What is the treatment for a fracture?

The purpose of treatment is to reattach the broken bone fragments, relieve pain, allow the bone to heal, avoid complications, and regain normal use of the fractured region.

The following treatments can be used:

• Medicine- This could be required to manage pain.
• A splint or a cast- This immobilizes the damaged region in order to maintain the alignment of the bone. Although the bone heals, it prevents the damaged region from motion and usage.
• Traction- The use of a steady pulling action to stretch certain parts of the body in a particular direction is known as traction. Pulleys, cords, weights, and a metal frame attached over or on the bed are typically used in traction. Traction helps the bone ends align and heal by stretching the muscles and tendons surrounding the damaged bone.
• Surgical procedures- To put some types of broken bones back in place, surgery may be necessary. Internal fixation (metal rods or pins inserted into the bone) or external fixation (metal rods or pins inserted outside the body) are often used to keep bone fragments in place until they recover.

What should I do to save my bones from breaking?

Accidents, such as falls, or other injuries, are the most common causes of fractures. However, there are certain things you can do to reduce the risk of bone fractures, such as:

• To keep your bones solid, eat a balanced diet rich in vitamin D and calcium.
• Do weight-bearing exercises that aid in bone health.
• Tobacco should not be consumed. Tobacco and nicotine increase the possibility of bone fractures and hinder the healing process.
• In older people, osteoporosis is a common cause of fractures. Consult your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis and, if you have it, seek care.