BONE FRACTURES
If you suffer from pain caused by a bone fracture, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.
The term “fracture” refers to a broken bone, the same way “crack” or “break” does. A bone may completely fracture or partially fracture in a wide variety of ways, such as crosswise, lengthwise, or in several places). Common fracture classifications include:
- Stable fracture. The broken ends of the bone still line up with each other and do not stick out of place.
- Compound fracture. The broken bone may pierce the skin at the time of the fracture. The bone may or may not stick out of the wound visibly.
- Transverse fracture. In this type of fracture, the crack line extends across the bone horizontally.
- Oblique fracture. The crack line of this fracture runs at an angle.
- Comminuted fracture. When the bone shatters into three or more separate pieces.
- Stress Fracture: Tiny cracks in a bone caused by repetitive force, often from overuse (running long distances, repetitively jumping). Stress fractures can also develop from regular use of a bone that’s weakened by a condition such as osteoporosis. Stress fractures are most common in the lower leg and foot since they bare a lot of weight.
Where are the most common areas to fracture a bone?
- Clavicle
- Hip
- Wrist
- Ankle
- Arm
What are the symptoms of a fracture?
- Intense Pain(main symptom)
- Bruising near the injury site
- A visibly out-of-place or misshapen limb or joint
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Numbness and tingling
- Broken skin with bone protruding
- Limited mobility or inability to move a limb or put weight on the injury site
What causes a fracture?
- Fall from a height
- Trauma
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Hard collisions in high-intensity sports such as soccer, football, etc.
- Direct blow
- Child abuse
- Repetitive forces, such as those caused by running, can cause stress fractures of the foot, ankle, tibia, or hip
How are fractures treated?
Orthopedists can sometimes treat small, simple fractures by simply casting the area for 4-6 weeks. The physician will follow up on your progress with appointments and X-rays to the bone sets and heals correctly.
Most acute fractures heal with a cast, which includes immobilization of the bone. Unstable fractures will require surgery (open or closed reduction and fixation). After surgery, the area will be placed in a cast for different time periods, depending on the surgeon’s preference. New studies mention the use of arthroscopically assisted reduction of unstable fractures as a means of making an accurate reduction with minimal surgical trauma and earlier movement of the area.
Patients usually see a physical therapist after removing the cast to help regain strength and motion.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists diagnose and treat patients with medical problems or injuries that limit their ability to take part in their daily lives. Patients will usually see a physical therapist after a referral by their primary physician. Physical therapists work with patients who have experienced an injury or disease that has affected their movement and range of motion.
At Nextgen Wellness Group, our team of licensed physical therapists and rehabilitation experts will focus on your total health and wellness. Regardless of the cause or source of your pain, we will develop a treatment plan with your unique issues in mind.
If you would like to speak to a Texas Orthopedic Specialist in DFW, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.
