A break in the surface of a bone is called a fracture. The majority of fractures are caused by injuries or traumatic events such as falls or car accidents. Overuse and osteoporosis may also weaken the bones and increase fracture risk.
Fracture Symptoms
The most common symptoms of a fracture include:
- Extreme pain
- Bruising at the break site
- Tenderness and swelling at the break site
- Deformity with a bone or limb that appears out of place or a bone poking through the skin
Types of Fractures
The force that caused the injury or traumatic event dictates the severity of the fracture. In the event the breaking point of the bone is only a bit exceeded, the bone may crack rather than break. If the force is severe, the bone may shatter. The five main types of fractures include:
- Greenstick Fracture: In a greenstick fracture, the bone is bent but not completely broken. Greenstick fractures are most common in children.
- Transverse Fracture: When the break is at a right angle to the axis of the bone, the fracture is considered transverse.
- Oblique Fracture: A break with a curved or sloped pattern is referred to as an oblique fracture.
- Comminuted Fracture: In a contaminated fracture, the bone fragments into a number of pieces.
- Impacted Fracture: Also known as a buckle fracture, an impacted fracture is a break where the ends are driven into one another. Impacted fractures are widely seen in children’s arm fractures.
Fracture Treatments
When treating fractures, the main goal is to put the broken pieces back into their proper position and prevent them from going out of place during the healing process. Fortunately, most fractures do not need to be treated with surgery.
We often recommend plaster or fiberglass casts to immobilize the bones and allow them to heal properly in the correct position. If your fracture is less severe, we may suggest a brace or splint so that you can enjoy some movement of the surrounding joints.
Adult fractures heal in about 6 to twelve weeks while children’s bones heal faster in about a 6 week time period.
Schedule an Appointment at Paris Orthopedics
Paris Orthopedics has a team of highly trained and experienced orthopedic doctors, surgeons, and therapists to evaluate your fracture and design a custom treatment plan. If you suspect you may have broken a bone, contact Paris Orthopedics today to schedule an appointment. We offer the latest diagnostic tools and treatments and look forward to helping you feel better.
