Fractures are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries in the United States, accounting for more than 8 million orthopedic doctor visits every year.
If you suspect that you have sustained a fracture, make sure to get it seen right away. There are many, different types of fractures – ranging from a simple break to a massive, life-threatening one – and its symptoms can be easily attributed to other types of injuries. Seeking proper medical evaluation is crucial for identifying the appropriate type of treatment as well as for preventing serious complications
Below, we’ve outlined some types of fractures as well as the treatment options available for them.
A greenstick fracture occurs when the bone cracks but does not break through. It’s common among children, whose bones are more flexible.
In most cases, orthopedic doctors treat greenstick fractures by immobilizing the area with a splint or cast for up to 6 weeks.
This type of fracture occurs when the bone bends and buckles but does not break all the way. It’s also most common among pediatric patients.
Treatment also usually involves immobilizing the affected limb in a cast or splint along with the use of pain or anti-inflammatory medications for symptom relief. If immobilization doesn’t help, an orthopedic doctor may recommend traction – a technique in which the doctor uses a gentle and steady pulling motion in a certain direction to enable the ends of the broken bone to align and heal.
A stress fracture occurs when a bone, usually in the lower leg or foot, cracks due to repetitive stress or impact. This fracture is most common among track-and-field athletes and military recruits.
To treat a stress fracture, an orthopedic doctor may recommend applying ice on the area, doing activity modification, and/or wearing a brace or using crutches. Although not a typical intervention, surgery is sometimes required to ensure complete healing, especially in areas with poor blood supply. Surgery might also be an option for elite athletes who want to return to their sport faster or workers whose jobs involve mainly the use of the affected area.
This occurs when the bone shatters into multiple pieces, often as a result of high-impact trauma, such as a car accident.
Treatment almost often involves surgery, in which metal rods, plates, or screws are used to hold the bone together as it heals.
Open (Compound) Fracture
This type of fracture is also a result of severe trauma, causing the broken bone to pierce the skin.
Due to its severity, an open fracture needs urgent surgery to address soft-tissue damage, prevent life-threatening complications, ensure bone alignment and stabilization, and facilitate proper healing.
A pathologic fracture is a type of fracture in which the underlying cause is a disease, such as metastatic cancer, rather than an injury.
Treatment of a pathologic fracture usually involves surgery to remove the diseased tissue. Afterward, an orthopedic doctor stabilizes the bone using metal rods, plates, or screws.
A compression fracture occurs when the bone collapses due to pressure. This type of fracture occurs in the spine and is most common among older adults, due to osteoporosis.
Conservative treatment of a compression fracture includes medications, rest, back bracing, and/or physical therapy, which incorporates weight-bearing exercises to increase bone strength as well as balance exercises to reduce a person’s risk of falls. Sometimes, surgery is needed if the fracture doesn’t heal on its own after an extensive course of conservative treatment.
Fracture Care near Me in Hartford County, CT or Springfield, MA
For first-rate fracture care in Hartford County, CT or Springfield, MA, visit us here at Advanced Orthopedics New England. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons are committed to ensuring the best possible long-term outcomes for the gamut of fractures, so you know you couldn’t be in more capable hands!
What’s more, we have a dedicated orthopedic urgent care department – at our Enfield, and Vernon, CT offices – for patients needing prompt care for their minor fractures and other musculoskeletal problems. No appointment is necessary, but we encourage you to call us to let us know you’re visiting.
For non-urgent appointments, you may contact our staff at (860) 728-6740 or fill out our appointment request form. Our team looks forward to serving you!