What are fractures?
Also known as broken bones, fractures occur when a high force or impact causes changes to the shape or structure of one or more bones. Bones can break partially, completely, or into multiple pieces.
The team at ROC Orthopedicstreat all types of fractures, including:
- Stable fractures, which happen when the broken ends of the bone are hardly out of place
- Open or compound fractures, which involve pieces of bone piercing through the skin
- Comminuted fractures, which occur when the bone breaks into three or more pieces
- Stress fractures, which are tiny, hairline cracks in the bone
Fractures can also be described by the angle of the break. A transverse fracture is a break that forms a horizontal line, and an oblique fracture describes a break that occurs on an angle.
What causes fractures?
Your bones are designed to endure a great amount of stress. But when they encounter too much force, they can break. Common causes of fractures include:
- Trauma, such as a fall, car accident, or direct blow during contact sports
- Overuse from repetitive motions like running
- Medical conditions like osteoporosis
Overuse may lead to a stress fracture, while trauma is more likely to cause a severe break like an open or comminuted fracture.
How do I know if I have a fracture?
Most of the time, fractures cause immediate, intense pain right after the injury occurs. You may also experience swelling and bruising, and your bones may appear out of place.
If you have an open fracture with pieces of bone visible through a break in your skin, go to the nearest emergency room right away. Open fractures involve a high risk of infection and require immediate treatment.
How are fractures diagnosed and treated?
First, the team at ROC Orthopedics assesses your general condition and examines your injury. They ask you to describe how the injury occurred and review your symptoms and medical history. They may also take an X-ray to evaluate the type and severity of your fracture.
Then, the team at ROC Orthopedics develops a treatment plan for your specific fracture. They may perform traction, or gentle pulling, to make sure the bone is properly aligned before they immobilize it with a cast or brace.
If your fracture is severe, your provider may need to perform surgery to align the bone. They may use screws, rods, or metal plates to hold the pieces of bone together as they heal.
For expert fracture care, call ROC Orthopedics or book an appointment online today.
