A broken bone or a fracture occurs when the force exerted that is exerted on the bone is more than it can bear.
Some of the common symptoms of the condition include severe pain and loss of function.
In some cases, bleeding around the site that is injured will also manifest.
There are different types of bone fractures.
Oftentimes, the severity of the condition will depend on several factors such as age, strength and direction of the force, the individual’s overall health, and the specific bone involved.
Some of the most common bone fractures occur in the ankle, wrist, and hip.
Older people however are more prone to hip fractures.
Causes
Some of the most common causes of bone fractures include:
- Some cancers (can cause the bones to easily break)
- Falls
- Vehicle accidents
- Sporting injuries
- Certain bone conditions like osteoporosis
Symptoms
While bone fractures are not the same as dislocations, in some cases, it can be difficult to tell one from the other.
Oftentimes, bone fracture symptoms will depend on the bone affected as well as the severity of the injury.
However, the following are some of the common manifestations of bone fracture:
- Deformity
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Inability to use the limb affected
Types
There are different types of bone fractures.
The following are some of the most common:
- Open or compound fracture – this type occurs when a wound that leads to the fractured site is present. It can also occur when the bone that is fractured juts out. Infection and external bleeding are likely complications that can result from this type of fracture.
- Closed or simple fracture – this kind occurs when the bone that is broken does not pierce the skin.
- Comminuted fracture – this type will take a long time to heal. The long healing period necessary can be attributed to the fractured bone shattering into small pieces.
- Greenstick fracture – this type is often characterized by a slender and small crack. This kind of fracture is also very common among children.
- Compression fracture – this fracture type occurs when two bones are forced against each other. The bones of the spine (vertebrae) are more prone to this type of injury. Old people with osteoporosis are also likely candidates.
- Hairline fracture – this kind occurs in the foot and the lower leg. Hairline fractures often result from repeated stress and strain from activities like running or jogging.
- Complicated fracture – When the injury also affects the surrounding structures of the bone, the condition is called complicated fracture. In most cases, there might be likely damage to the arteries, veins, or the nerves. Injury to the bone’s lining (periosteum) may also occur.
- Avulsion fracture – this type often occurs in the knee and the shoulder joints. Avulsion fractures occur when pieces of the bone get pulled out and the muscle contractions wrench the tendon.
However, not all fractures occur only in the legs, arms, wrist, or hips.
Pelvis, chest, head, and spine traumas can also result to fractures in the skull and ribs.
Since these types of injuries are considered life-threatening, first aid treatments alone will not be enough.
Seeking immediate medical attention will be recommended.
Treatment
Diagnosing bone fractures are done using X-rays.
In other cases, computer tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be recommended.
While broken bones will often heal on their own, medical treatment is sometimes necessary to help ensure all the pieces are properly lined up.
In cases that are complicated, surgery, surgical traction, or both might be necessary.
It is also vital that the bone recovers full sensitivity, strength, and movement.
Treatment options for fractures will often depend on severity.
Some of the likely options include:
- Splints
- Braces
- Traction
- Plaster casts
- Pain relief
- Surgically inserted metal rods or plates
Without proper medical attention and management, fractures can worsen. Prevent that from happening by visiting www.bjios.sg right away.
