Fractures

Everything You Need To Know About Fractures

What is a Fracture?

A fracture is a term used to describe a break in the bone. In some cases, the broken bone punctures the skin. This is referred to as a compound fracture. The most common causes of fractures include falls, car accidents, or sports injuries. Other causes of a fracture are osteoporosis and low bone density. Overuse of bones can result in tiny cracks in the bone, known as stress fractures.

Stages and Types of Fractures

A fracture can be categorized into the following types:

Avulsion Fracture: A muscle or ligament pulling on the bone causes it.

Comminuted Fracture: The fracture is caused by an impact that shatters the bone into several pieces.

Compression, or Crush, Fracture: The fracture occurs in the spongy bone in the spine.

Fracture Dislocation: This fracture results from the dislocation of a joint and the breaking of a joint bone.

Greenstick Fracture: The bone fractures partly on one side without breaking completely.

Hairline Fracture: It is a thin, partial fracture of the bone.

Impacted Fracture: A piece of bone affects another bone during a fracture.

 

Intra-articular Fracture: It extends into the surface of a joint.

Longitudinal Fracture: The fracture extends along the length of the bone.

Oblique Fracture: It occurs opposite to the long axis of a bone.

Pathological Fracture: This condition results from an underlying condition that weakens the bone.

Spiral Fracture: This fracture occurs when one of the parts of the bone twists during a break.

Stress Fracture: This fracture is caused due to repeated stress and strain and is common among athletes.

Transverse Fracture: The fracture occurs when a bone suffers a straight break.

Symptoms of Fractures

Most fractures cause intense pain almost immediately after injury. It can get worse on moving or touching the injured area. Some individuals may even pass out from the pain.

Other symptoms include:

  • A snap or grinding sound after injury
  • Swelling, redness, and bruising in the injured area
  • Trouble supporting weight with the injured area
  • Visible deformity in the injured area
  • Broken bone poking through your skin (rare)

Risk Factors of Fractures

Although anyone can get a fracture, individuals with brittle bones or low bone density are more prone to the condition. Brittle bones may be due to the following:

  • Old age
  • Osteoporosis
  • Endocrine or intestinal disorders
  • Taking corticosteroids
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Drink alcohol
  • Smoke

Causes of Fractures

Healthy bones are strong and capable of withstanding powerful impacts. However, they are prone to crack or break with tremendous force. Causes of fracture include bone overuse, physical trauma, and certain health conditions that weaken the bones (osteoporosis).

Bones can get weak with age and increase the risk of them breaking. As one ages, the chances of developing a condition that weakens the bones are more significant.

Prevention of Fractures

The risk of bone fractures can be reduced with remedies and lifestyle changes.

Diet: Human body requires adequate supplies of calcium for healthy bones. Hence, it is suggested that individuals include yogurt, milk, cheese, and dark green leafy vegetables in their diet. Additionally, vitamin D is essential for absorbing calcium. It can be sourced from limited exposure to sunlight and consuming oily fish and eggs.

Stay Active: It is suggested that patients do weight-bearing exercises to improve muscle mass and bone density. These exercises help reduce the risk of bone fractures.

Care during Menopause: Estrogen (crucial for bone health) levels drop significantly during menopause. It interrupts the process of calcium regulation and increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Hence, it is suggested that individuals take care of bone density and strength during and after menopause.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common types of fractures include the fractures of vertebrae, forearm, hand, ankle, leg, pelvis, humerus, hip, and femur.

As per studies, it has been revealed that one in every two women above the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture. Men are also prone to develop this condition. However, osteoporosis is treatable, and fractures can be prevented.

Rehabilitation care is available through the Living Center at the Highlands at Pittsford, the Highlands at Brighton, and many other partner nursing facilities in the Rochester area.

Strictly avoid realigning the affected bone or pushing one in that you are sticking out. Seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Technically, "threads" of the new bone tissue are bound to meet in the middle and "knit" together as the healing occurs. The process may take a few months. Fracture heals on their own. Medical assistance is required to ease the pain and speed up the process by giving rest.

Most fractures take 6-8 weeks to heal completely. The time may vary depending on the bone affected. The minimum time taken is 4-6 weeks for a tibia fracture, and a hand and wrist fracture takes about 20 weeks or more.

Almost all fractures take 40-60 days to heal. A broken finger is known to heal the fastest. It takes about 3-4 weeks. These bones are small in size, which makes healing easier and faster.

Help the person sit or lay down in an elevated position. Do not try to move the affected part. You can give him or her pain killer (over-the-counter). Call for medical help immediately.

For More Information

Just give us a call at 305-284-7500 or click the button below.