Fractures (Broken Bones)

Fractures (Broken Bones)

What is a Fracture?

A fracture refers to a break or crack in a bone. The severity can range from minor cracks to complete breaks. Knowing the type, cause, and appropriate treatment is essential for proper recovery.

Why Do Fractures Occur?

Fractures generally happen due to trauma, such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries. Bones weakened by osteoporosis are more prone to fractures. Repetitive stress, often experienced by athletes, can also result in stress fractures.

How Are Fractures Classified?

Fractures are classified based on their characteristics:

• Closed vs. Open: A closed fracture remains beneath the skin, while an open (compound) fracture pierces through it.
• Partial vs. Complete: A partial fracture doesn’t completely break the bone, while a complete fracture fully separates it.
• Simple vs. Comminuted: A simple fracture is a single break, while a comminuted fracture shatters the bone into multiple pieces.
• Stress Fracture: These small cracks result from repetitive stress, often seen in athletes and military personnel.
• Osteoporotic Fracture: These fractures occur in bones weakened by osteoporosis, usually in older adults.
• Avulsion Fracture: A tendon or ligament pulls off a small piece of bone, typically in areas like the ankle or hip.

What Are the Symptoms of a Fracture?

Common symptoms of a fracture include:

• Intense pain at the fracture site
• Swelling, bruising, and tenderness
• Visible deformity or misalignment
• Difficulty moving the injured area
• Grinding sensations when trying to move

How Are Fractures Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination followed by imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. These help determine the fracture’s type and severity, which guides the treatment plan.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures are tiny cracks caused by repetitive force, often from overuse. They’re common in weight-bearing bones like the legs and feet, especially in athletes and military personnel. Read more: Stress Fracture Management

What Are Avulsion Fractures?

Avulsion fractures happen when a tendon or ligament pulls off a small piece of bone. They often occur in the ankle or hip and are typically seen in athletes. Read more: Avulsion Fractures

What Are Osteoporotic Fractures?

Osteoporotic fractures are breaks that occur in bones weakened by osteoporosis. Common areas affected are the spine, wrist, and hip, significantly impacting older adults. Read more: Osteoporosis & Osteopenia

Treatment Options for Fractures

Treatment depends on the fracture’s severity and location:

• Immobilisation: Casts or splints keep the bone in place while healing.
• Pain Management: Medications help control pain and reduce inflammation.
• Surgery: Severe fractures may require surgery to realign bones, often using screws, plates, or rods for stability.
• Physiotherapy: Rehabilitation exercises restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion once the bone has healed.

Read more: Post-Fracture Physiotherapy | Post-Operative Physiotherapy

Research on Fractures

Recent studies stress the importance of early intervention for better healing outcomes. Advances in surgery and rehabilitation are shortening recovery times. Research also highlights the role of calcium and vitamin D in bone health and fracture prevention (Yao et al., 2019).

What to Do if You Suspect a Fracture?

If you think you have a fracture, seek medical advice immediately. Prompt treatment prevents complications and speeds up healing. Contact your doctor, orthopaedic surgeon, or physiotherapist for specific advice on managing fractures.

Read more:

• Avulsion Fractures – Learn about different types of avulsion fractures and their treatments.
• Stress Fractures – Explore the causes and prevention of stress fractures.
• Osteoporosis – Understand how osteoporosis contributes to bone fractures and how to manage it.

Related Articles

1. Stress Fractures – Learn about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of stress fractures.
2. Osteoporosis – Understand how osteoporosis leads to fractures and how to manage bone health.
3. Physiotherapy for Fractures – Learn how physiotherapy aids in fracture recovery.
4. Rehabilitation After Surgery – Explore the role of rehab in recovering from fracture surgery.
5. Avulsion Injuries – Discover how sports-related avulsion fractures are treated.
6. Fracture Healing – Explore the stages of fracture healing and what to expect during recovery.
7. Stress Fractures: Mayo – Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of stress fractures.
8. Osteoporotic Fractures – Discuss the latest research on osteoporosis-related fractures and their management.

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