What are Fractures and Trauma care?
A fracture is a break in the bone that occurs when more force is applied to the bone than its strength. It can refer to either a complete or partial break in the continuity of the bone. They are caused by a sudden impact on the bone or excessive force exerted on it. The most commonly fractures occur in the collar bone (clavicle), forearm bones (radius and ulna), finger bones, shin bone (tibia), thigh bone (femur), ankle and foot bones.
Fractures can easily happen in older people who are suffering from long term thinning of their bones, which is known as osteoporosis. Athletes who train too hard and don’t recover enough between training sessions can cause stress fractures in the bone. In children fractures are common as their bones are weaker compared to adults and in still growing phase.
Some of the most common causes are:
- Fall or twisting injury
- Road Traffic accidents
- Sports injuries
What are the symptoms of a fracture?
Severe pain, swelling, tenderness, inability to move part of the body normally, bruising or discolouration and sometimes deformity.
What tests are done to diagnose a Fracture?
X-rays and needed to correctly diagnose and classify the fracture. It can be done in OPD setup or emergency rooms in hospitals. Further investigations like CT scans, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are recommended in some fractures when more information is needed about the severity of injury to bones and ligaments and surrounding soft tissue.
What are the best treatments for fractures?
Treatments for any fracture depend on the type of fracture and mode injury. Nonsurgical treatment options include a cast or splint to immobilise affected area. Anti-inflammatory drugs given to reduce pain and after cast removal Physical therapy and rehabilitation is advised.
Sometimes a broken bone requires more than just a cast especially when bones are displaced significantly from their natural position or involves weight bearing part. When bones need to be put back together, metal plates or rods and screws are used to fix the fragments of broken bone.
How long does it take a Fracture to heal?
During fracture healing, the body protects the injured area with a blood clot and fibrous connective tissue. Bone cells grow on either side of the fracture line. Cells then begin forming towards each other closing the fracture. Orthopaedic Surgeon can help reduce the time it takes for your fracture or break to heal so you can get back to living your life faster.
Fracture healing time varies according to extent of damage and mode of fracture stabilisation technique used to treat the same. It could take a few weeks to several months.
Rehabilitation program involves exercises and gradual increase in activity levels until the process of healing is complete.