Fractures
Fractures Overview
A fracture—also known as a broken bone—is typically caused by some sort of traumatic mishap—a fall from a ladder or skateboard, a violent collision on the football field, an automobile accident. In some cases—a broken toe—fractures don’t even demand a trip to the doctor. In other cases—a broken hip—treatment of a fracture may require surgery and hospitalization.
There are two major types of fractures, or broken bones. When the bone is broken, but doesn’t break through that skin, it is called a closed or simple fracture. If the bone is broken and cuts through the skin, it is called an open or compound fracture.
Symptoms
- Severe pain
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Deformity of the affected limb
Risk Factors
- Osteoporosis, a condition found in older adults that causes the bones to become more brittle
- High-speed sports activities such as football, snow skiing, skating and hockey sometimes involve falls that lead to fractures
- Poor nutrition. A lack of calcium and vitamin D early in life increases the risk of fractures, or broken bones.
Fractures Prevention
- Get enough calcium and Vitamin D in your diet to build and maintain strong bones
- Regular weight-bearing exercises, such as walking and running increase bone density
- Stop smoking, which reduces bone density
- Proper use of appropriate protective gear when participating in sports and other recreational activities. Wear wrist guards, for example, when inline skating.
Tests and Screenings
- X-ray
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- CT scan (computerized tomography)
Fractures Diagnosis
A physical examination is the first step in diagnosing a fracture, or broken bone. Your Wellstar physician will likely order an X-ray to determine the exact location of the fracture. More detailed images, such as those from a computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are sometimes necessary.
Procedures
- X-ray
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- CT scan (computerized tomography
Treatment for Fractures
Many fractures, or broken bones, are treated by setting the bone and using a plaster or fiberglass cast to hold the broken bone in the proper position while the bone is healing. Some fractures require surgery to install metal plates, pins or screws to align the broken bones for proper healing. The plates, pins or screws are typically left in place. Some are made of materials that are absorbed into your body.
Ongoing Care for Fractures
Because muscles grow weak when a cast immobilizes a limb while a fracture heals physical therapy may be necessary to restore full function. There may be a need to limit physical activity for some time after the cast is removed to allow for the bone to regain full strength.
Aquatic therapy is an option if you have medication conditions that might limit traditional exercise. Your Wellstar physician may refer you to one of the aquatic therapy programs are available at selected Wellstar locations.
If you are recovering from a fracture, you may want to do the following:
- Limit physical activity during recovery
- Physical therapy
- Aquatic therapy