GENERAL FRACTURES

A bone fracture is a medical term for a shattered bone. Fractures are commonly caused by traumas like falls, automobile accidents, and sports injuries. However, various medical problems and repetitive stresses (such as jogging) can raise your chance of developing specific types of fractures. If you break a bone, you may require surgery to fix it. For some people, a splint, cast, brace, or sling is all they need to mend their bones. The time it takes to fully recover is determined by which of your bones are shattered, where the fracture is, and what caused it.

Symptoms 

Symptoms of bone fractures include:

• Pain.

• Swelling.

• Tenderness.

• Inability to move a part of your body like you usually can.

• Bruising or discoloration.

• A deformity or bump that's not usually on your body.

Causes 

Traumas almost always cause bone fractures. Anything that hits one of your bones with enough force can break it. Some of the most common causes include:

• Car accidents.

• Falls.

• Sports injuries.

Diagnosis 

Your doctor will use a physical exam and imaging studies to identify a bone fracture. This may be done at the emergency room if you are admitted after a trauma. If you're rushed to the ER, a team of providers will stabilize you and treat your injuries in order of severity, especially if they're life-threatening. Once you've been stabilized, you'll require imaging testing to confirm any fractures. You'll need at least one of the following imaging tests to obtain photos of your fracture:

• X-rays: An X-ray can confirm fractures and show how damaged your bones are.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Your doctor may use an MRI to get a complete picture of the damage to your bones and the area surrounding them. An MRI will also show tissue surrounding your bones, such as cartilage and ligaments.

• CT scan: A CT scan, as opposed to an X-ray, will provide your doctor or surgeon with a more thorough image of your bones and surrounding tissue.

• Bone scan: Medical professionals use a bone scan to identify fractures that are not visible on an X-ray. This scan can help detect some fractures, but it takes longer—typically two visits spaced four hours apart.

Treatment

The treatment for a fracture is determined by its type, the cause, and the extent of the damage to your bones.

• Immobilization: If your fracture is minor and your bones have not moved much out of position (if it is non-displaced), you may only require a splint or a cast. Splinting often lasts three to five weeks. If you need a cast, it will most likely last longer, usually six to eight weeks. In both circumstances, you'll likely require follow-up X-rays to ensure your bones are healing properly.

• Closed reduction: More serious fractures necessitate a closed reduction to set (realign) the bones. During this non-surgical process, your provider will physically push and pull your body from the outside to align your shattered bones inside you. 

• Bone fracture surgery: Some bone fractures necessitate surgery. There are a few procedures your surgeon may utilize depending on the type of fracture you have and the extent of the damage to your bones.

• Internal fixation: Your surgeon will realign (set) your bones in the proper position and then fix them in place so they can mend and grow together. They typically do an internal fixation, in which your surgeon inserts metal bits into your bone to hold it in place while it heals. To ensure that your bone heals completely, you will need to limit your use of that section of your body.

• External fixation: You may need an external fixation. Your surgeon will insert screws into your bone on each side of the fracture within your body and attach them to a brace or bracket around the bone outside your body. This is usually a temporary method of stabilizing your fracture and allowing it to heal before undergoing an internal fixation.

• Arthroplasty: You may require an arthroplasty (joint replacement) if you break a joint, such as your knee, elbow, or shoulder. The injured joint will be removed and replaced with an artificial joint by your surgeon. The prosthesis, or prosthetic joint, can be made of heavy-duty plastic, ceramic, or metal. The replacement joint will move and look like your normal joint.

• Bone grafting: If your fracture is substantially displaced or your bone is not mending properly, bone grafting may be required. To repair your damaged bone, the surgeon will introduce more bone tissue. Following that, they will typically conduct an internal fixation to keep the pieces together while your bone heals. 

Prevention

Follow these general safety tips to reduce the risk of injury:

• Always wear your seatbelt.

• Wear the right protective equipment for all activities and sports.

• Make sure your home and workspace are free from clutter that could trip you or others.

• Always use the proper tools or equipment at home to reach things. Never stand on chairs, tables, or countertops.

• Follow a diet and exercise plan that will help you maintain good bone health.

• Talk to your provider about a bone density test if you're older than 50 or if you have a family history of osteoporosis.

• Use your cane or walker if you have difficulty walking or have an increased risk of falls.

Fractures are common injuries that can impact everyone, from athletes to the elderly. Fractures, whether mild or severe, can have serious consequences for everyday living, mobility, and general health. Most fractures heal well with appropriate medical care, treatment, and rehabilitation, allowing people to resume their typical activities. By taking preventative steps, maintaining bone health, and seeking immediate treatment for fractures, individuals can lower their risk of future bone injuries and live a healthier, more active life.