Fracture Care

What is a fracture?

A fracture or broken bone is a partial or complete break in the surface of the bone. The break can range from a thin crack to complete separation of the bone.

Fractures occur when excessive force is applied to the bone. You can sustain a fracture from trauma, falling, sports injury, accidents, or weakness of the bone.

What are the different types of fractures?

Fractures can be open or closed. In a closed fracture, only the bone is broken, and the overlying skin is intact. In an open fracture, the bone pierces the skin, or there is a deep open wound through which the bone is visible.

Some fractures are stable and easier to treat, while others require surgery because the bones are displaced wide apart.

These fractures can be further classified as transverse, oblique, spiral, compressed, and impacted, depending on the shape of the fracture line.

What are the symptoms of a fracture?

The majority of fractures are very painful, and you may have severe discomfort when trying to move the injured area. Common symptoms are:

• Swelling and tenderness
• Bruising and redness
• Soft tissue deformity
• Inability to move the injured part

How are fractures managed?

Your doctor at Star Orthopedics and Sports Medicine takes a detailed history of the time and nature of your injury and performs a careful physical examination. The doctor then recommends an X-ray or other images as needed.

Based on the X-ray results, the doctor immobilizes your broken bone by giving you a cast or splint. In some cases, he may need to restore the bone alignment before applying the splint or cast. Other times, the doctor may use traction to maintain the alignment.

An open fracture is a medical emergency, and your doctor at Star Orthopedics and Sports Medicine will make all the necessary arrangements for you to undergo emergency surgery. He ensures that you get the best possible treatment as per your convenience.

What happens during the recovery period?

It will take several weeks or months for the fracture to heal completely. Your doctor at Star Orthopedics and Sports Medicine may prescribe pain medication as required. After the healing is complete, the doctor removes the cast or splint and recommends physical therapy to regain muscle strength and range of motion at the joints.

To learn more about the fracture treatment options available at Star Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, call or go online to schedule an appointment today.