While most fractures are relatively minor, there are also many different types of broken bones. You should always seek medical attention for any kind of broken bone, no matter the severity. This article covers the different types of fractures, including comminuted, stress, displaced, and spiral. It will help you understand the best treatment for your condition. It will also educate you on the signs and symptoms of these types of fractures, and help you determine whether they require surgery.
Comminuted fracture
The broken bone in a comminuted fracture is not aligned during the healing process. Consequently, the bones may not grow back together properly or at all. In addition, a broken bone may cause damage to the surrounding muscles, nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and ligaments. As a result, fractures often take longer to heal than broken bones with normal alignment. Moreover, a comminuted fracture increases the risk of infection.
Treatment for a comminuted fracture of a broken bone varies, depending on the severity of the injury and the person’s overall health. The goals of treatment are to control pain, heal the fracture, and return the affected area to normal use. For a comminuted fracture, surgical treatment may be necessary, which includes the insertion of metal pins, screws, and rods into the fractured area. This procedure may require follow-up surgery to remove the pins.
Although a comminuted fracture of a broken bone requires surgery, most of the time it can be healed with a simple cast or splint. Depending on the severity of the injury, patients may be given a temporary or permanent cast or splint after their fracture. The cast or splint will help to prevent the broken bone from moving too much and will help to prevent further damage.
Stress fracture
A stress fracture is a common type of broken bone, which is very common and takes about six to eight weeks to heal. During this time, you should avoid activities that put additional stress on the fractured area and rest it from any physical activity. Although it may seem tempting to return to your usual activities right away, you should be cautious. Overexertion or resuming high-impact activities before the fracture is fully healed may lead to further damage and require surgery. To check whether a stress fracture has healed, you should have X-rays or computed tomography.
Your doctor will take a detailed medical history of your current health and discuss your work and daily activities. Your diet and medications should be discussed as well. Your physician will perform a full physical exam to rule out other conditions or other causes of your fracture. If you have unusually high body weight or high blood pressure, you should consult with your doctor about your risk factors. Your doctor may order lab tests and nutritional deficiencies to determine the exact cause of your fracture.
People who engage in the repetitive activity are most likely to sustain a stress fracture. Stress fractures occur when an athlete increases activity too quickly or changes the workout surface, as these activities can cause the bone to break. Likewise, everyday activities that require repetitive motion can lead to fractures as well. Stress fractures are painful and left untreated, can cause serious problems, and require extensive treatment. If left untreated, stress fractures can lead to osteoporosis.
Spiral fracture
A spiral fracture is a break in the long bones of the legs. These bones include the femur, tibia, fibula, humerus, and radius. Spiral fractures are more complex than other types of broken bones, and they can result in bone separation or irregular edges. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after you experience this type of injury.
The treatment for a spiral fracture is determined by the type of fracture and how the bone was broken. Most people will need three to five months of bed rest to recover fully from this type of break, although there are different times when your doctor will recommend surgery. A physical exam and imaging tests will help your healthcare provider determine the appropriate treatment. If you have an injury that requires surgery, it is important to see a physician as soon as possible.
A spiral fracture is one of the most common types of broken bones and is characterized by a twisting force that separates the two pieces. This type of fracture is more common in children, as it usually occurs in the legs, but it can occur in the arms as well. Spiral fractures tend to be complicated and require physical therapy and surgery. However, with the proper care, you can recover completely from spiral fractures.
Non-displaced fracture
A broken bone may be a comminuted or non-displaced fracture. A comminuted fracture is a serious condition in which pieces of the bone have become dislodged from their original position. A non-displaced fracture, on the other hand, is when the broken bone remains in its original alignment. Unlike comminuted fractures, which require immediate treatment, non-displaced fractures usually heal on their own.
Both types of fractures can be treated at our office. A non-displaced fracture is treated in the office, including immobilization to prevent further damage and promote healing. We may also perform x-rays to determine whether the fracture is displaced or non-displaced. Immobilization is a critical part of the fracture treatment plan, and we will begin with at-home exercises to restore full body function. Over time, we will progress to strengthening and resistance exercises as part of the rehabilitation process.
Depending on the severity of the injury, both types of fractures can be categorized as non-displaced or comminuted. A comminuted fracture, also called a greenstick fracture, is an incomplete break. Children are more likely to sustain this type of fracture. Another type of non-displaced fracture is a transverse fracture, characterized by a break that occurs at the right angle to the long axis of the bone.
Compound fracture
If you break a bone, and the bone is in a position where the skin is pierced, you may have a compound fracture. The bone is surrounded by skin, which may not be able to communicate with the bone fracture line, resulting in severe pain and difficulty moving the injured joint. The bone may be displaced from the body and need to be re-aligned. During the healing process, your healthcare provider will also use a nerve block to numb the area. In some cases, you may need to take antibiotics or tetanus vaccines to ensure the proper healing of your broken bone.
If your fracture does not heal properly, your immune system will rush to the area and increase blood flow. This can lead to swelling and redness in the area around the broken bone. These symptoms may last for a while, as your body tries to heal itself. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a healthcare provider immediately. The infection may be chronic and even cause death. The fracture may also require further surgeries.
Spiral fracture in children
Spiral fracture in children can be particularly dangerous because of the way it is caused. Violent shaking can damage the spinal column and brain, and if not treated immediately, can cause hemorrhages and swelling. The symptoms may be very similar to those of a broken bone. The following are some of the common signs of a spiral fracture in children. If you notice a child with any of these symptoms, see a doctor.
Treatment options for broken bones
There are several types of treatment for broken bones. These may include surgery, stainless-steel screws, plates, and frames. Most fractures are preventable, such as staying in shape and getting the right vitamins and minerals. Prevention is also possible indoors, by following certain tips, such as avoiding clutter and wires that may cross walkways and putting skid-free mats under rugs. While there is no single treatment for broken bones, most fractures can be prevented or managed with a simple cast.
Another treatment option for broken bones is traction, which is less common but may be necessary. Traction works by gently pulling the injured area to realign the bones. Traction has many forms, and the type that’s right for you will depend on where the fracture is, how severe it is, and how much force is necessary to realign the bones. Listed below are some of the different types of traction and how they can help you.
First, you may need to take pain medication. Ice is an excellent pain reliever that can be taken over the counter. An ice pack should be applied to the affected area four times a day for 20 minutes each time. Another treatment option is applying a frozen vegetable or ice cube. Either way, an ice pack helps to ease pain and promote healing. You’ll want to continue doing this for at least a week until your fracture heals completely.
