Fractures

Diagnosis of Fractures

The doctor will check symptoms and visually examine the injured area. He will move the area to check for pain or other signs of injury. If a fracture is suspected, the doctor will order X-rays to determine the fracture type and location. In some cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography scans (CT or CAT scans) are used to examine bones or adjacent tissues.

Treatment for Fractures

Treatment for a fracture depends on the type and extent of damage the bone suffers from. Here are some of the common treatment procedures doctors recommend for fractures:

Immobilization: It is recommended if the fracture is mild and the bones do not move far out of place. Sometimes, you may also require a splint or cast. The splint may last for about 3-5 weeks. Casting the affected area is also effective. It lasts for about 6-8 weeks. The doctor requires follow-up X-rays to ensure the appropriate healing of bones.

Closed Reduction: In severe breaks, a closed reduction is used to set (realign) the bones. It is a non-surgical procedure; the medical practitioner will physically push and pull the body on the outside to arrange broken bones.

Surgery for Bone Fracture: Certain cases of bone fractures require surgery. The most common surgical procedures for bone fractures include the following:

1. Internal Fixation: The procedure involves realigning bones to rectify and secure them to facilitate healing and growing back together. The surgeon will insert pieces of metal into the bone to hold it in place. The patient will also be asked to restrict using the affected part of the body to allow healing of the bone. The internal fixation techniques include inserting rods, plates and screws, and pins and wires.
2. External Fixation: The surgeon will put screws in the bone on either side of the fracture inside the body and link it to a brace or bracket around the bone externally.
3. Arthroplasty: If you fracture a joint (like your shoulder, elbow, or knee), you might need an arthroplasty (joint replacement). Your surgeon will remove the damaged joint and replace it with an artificial joint. The artificial joint (prosthesis) can be metal, ceramic or heavy-duty plastic. The new joint will look like your natural joint and move similarly.
4. Bone Grafting: A severely displaced fracture or bone not healing back together is treated with bone grafting. The process involves inserting additional bone tissue to rejoin fractured bone. The pieces of bone are fixed together with an internal fixation while the bone regrows. Some of the few sources of bone grafts include an artificial replacement piece, internally from the patient's body, or an external donor. The bone is immobilized after surgery. The patient must support the bone with a cast, splint, or brace.

Medications: NSAIDs may be prescribed for bleeding and other complications after surgery. The surgeon will assess pain and swelling before prescribing the medications. These are also prescribed after surgery to reduce pain.

Recovery

The recovery from fracture takes place in different phases. The Inflammatory Phase starts right at the time of injury. It lasts 1-2 weeks. The blood clot turns into a protein mesh, and the bone begins to "knit."

The second phase is the Repair Phase, which lasts 2-3 weeks. It involves the repair of actual tissue, and a rubbery tissue called "fracture callus" forms. Calcium is deposited into the callus.

The third phase is remodeling, which occurs once the fracture callus gets replaced with strong, organized bone. This phase continues for months after the fracture. The patients do not feel pain anymore.

Doctors recommend certain procedures to speed up the process of recovery. Some fractures may also require early activity and weight bearing to support healing, while others should be immobilized and evade weight bearing.

To heal the fracture, patients are advised to have a well-balanced diet comprising essential Proteins, Vitamins C, D, and K. Healthy bone formation and speeding up of the healing process require Phosphorus, Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc.

Patients are advised to quit smoking and avoid taking medications without a prescription.

Living with the Condition: Most people with a fracture would be eager to return to life and start doing activities. However, bones take ample time to heal. You need to be prepared to spend weeks at home. Doctors may allow you to do some things to get back to your normal activities quicker and stay healthy.

Be Patient: Complete healing takes time. It is important to learn how to move again under the guidance of a medical expert.

Get Help: It is important to get help whenever required. Do not try to do everything all by yourself. Pushing yourself too hard while you are healing can delay recovery. So make sure you have someone to help you with regular chores such as cleaning, shopping, cooking, or getting dressed. You can get a cane, walker, or a reaching tool if the doctor suggests it.

Prevent Future Problems: It is natural to worry about having another fracture after the initial fracture. You can talk to a physical therapist to start a strength training plan to help build muscle and bone mass. Making simple lifestyle changes and careful planning will help you stay healthy and reduce the chances of future fractures.

• Symptoms and Causes