Fracture: A bone fracture is the medical definition for a broken bone.
Fractures are usually caused by traumas like falls, car accidents or sports injury. But some medical conditions and repetitive forces (like running) can increase your risk for experiencing certain types of fractures.
If you break a bone, you might need surgery to repair it with the help of orthopedic surgeon in Mumbai-Thane. Some people only need a splint, cast, brace or sling for their bone to heal. How long it takes to recover fully depends on which of your bones are fractured, where the fracture is and what caused it.
Types of Fractures:
Fractures can be classified into various types based on their cause and on the relationship with the external environment and on the pattern of the fracture. First, we will discuss the types that are based on their cause. They are as listed below:
- TRAUMATIC FRACTURE: A fracture that is sustained due to trauma or direct injury to the bone is called a traumatic fracture. This is the most common type of fracture caused due to falls, road traffic accidents or fights.
- PATHOLOGICAL FRACTURE: A break in bone occurring as a result of some underlying disease is called a pathological fracture. Even a mild force can cause such a fracture
Now based on the relationship with the external environment.
- CLOSED FRACTURE: This is a simple fracture where the bones are not exposed to the environment.
- OPEN FRACTURE: This is an example of complex fracture, as there is a break in the skin continuity and the broken bones are exposed to the external environment. This type of fracture is more vulnerable to the infections due to the direct contact from the external environment.
Based on the pattern of the Fracture:
- TRANSVERSE FRACTURE: When the fracture line is perpendicular to the long axis of the bone.
- OBLIQUE FRACTURE: When the fracture is slant or oblique.
- SPIRAL FRACTURE: When the fracture occurs due to some twisted force, the bone breaks down in more than one plane making it spiral fracture.
- COMMINUTED FRACTURE: When the bone is broken into multiple fragments then this type is known as comminute fracture. This occurs because of the compression or crushing injury of a bone.
- SEGMENTAL FRACTURE: When a single bone is broken at two different levels, it is known as segmental fracture.
- AVULSION FRACTURE: When a muscle or ligament pulls on the bone causing fracture in the bone.
- HAIRLINE FRACTURE: This is a thin, partial fracture of the bone.
Diagnosis & Treatment:
A orthopedic doctor in Mulund-Thane will inquire about the circumstances that led to a person’s fracture. They will then carry out a physical examination to reach a diagnosis.
Often, they will order an X-Ray, and in some cases, an MRI or CT SCAN, to fully assess the fracture.
Bone healing is a natural process that, in most cases, will occur naturally. Therefore, treatment typically focuses on providing the injured bone with the best circumstances for healing, and ensuring optimal future function.
For the natural healing process to begin, a doctor will reduce the fracture. This involves lining up the ends of the broken bones. In smaller fractures, a doctor can do this by manipulating the affected area externally. However, in some instances, this may require surgery.
Once a medical professional has aligned the fracture, they will ensure it stays in place. Methods of doing so are:
- casts or braces
- metal plates and screws
- intramedullary nails, or rods, placed in bone cavities
- external fixings
Fractures can take several weeks to several months to heal, depending on their severity. The duration is contingent on which bone has become affected and whether there are any complications, such as a blood supply problem or an infection.
Other factors that can affect bone healing:
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- A high BMI (Body Mass Index)
- A person’s age
After the bone has healed, it may be necessary to restore muscle strength and mobility to the affected area through physical therapy.
If the fracture occurs near or through a joint, there is a risk of permanent stiffness or arthritis. If this happens, a person may not be able to bend that joint as well as before the injury.
