Fractures

The word “Fracture” implies to broken bone. A bone may get fractured completely or partially and it is caused commonly from trauma due to fall, motor vehicle accident or sports. Thinning of the bone due to osteoporosis in the elderly can cause the bone to break easily. Overuse injury is a common cause of stress fractures in athletes.

Types of Fractures

• Simple fractures in which the fractured pieces of bone are well aligned and stable.
• Unstable fractures are those in which fragments of the broken bone are misaligned and displaced.
• Open (compound) fractures are severe fractures in which the broken bones cut through the skin. This type of fracture is more prone to infection and requires immediate medical attention.
• Greenstick fractures: This is a unique fracture in children that involves bending of one side of the bone without any break in the bone.

Treatments for Fractures

Fractures of the pelvis, upper and lower extremities, and post-traumatic orthopaedic conditions can be treated with surgical and nonsurgical procedures, depending on the condition.

Common nonsurgical treatments include

• Immobilizing devices such as casts, splints, braces, and traction.
• Medications, such as antibiotics to resolve infections and nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs to treat arthritis.
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation
• A patellar button which resurfaces the back of your knee cap.

Surgery is sometimes necessary to properly treat breaks or trauma injuries that are complicated, severe, or resistant to healing. Surgical treatments include fixating (keeping together) the broken parts of the bone using metal pins, screws, or plates.