A fracture is a break in the bone. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an “open” or “compound” fracture. Fractures commonly happen because of accidents, falls or sports related injuries. Other causes are low bone density and osteoporosis, which cause weakening of the bones. Overuse can cause “stress” fractures, which are small cracks in the bone.
Symptoms of bone fractures:
- Out-of-place or misshapen limb or joint
- Swelling, bruising or bleeding
- Intense pain
- Numbness and tingling
- Limited mobility or inability to move a limb
Treating bone fractures:
- If you think you may have broken a bone, seek emergency medical care immediately.
- A medical examination and x-rays can help determine if and where a bone is broken.
- The broken pieces may need to be put back in place and then immobilized until the bones can heal as new bone forms around the break.
- External Fixation- Pins or wires are set into the bone through the skin above and below the fracture. These are connected to a ring or bar outside the skin that holds the pin in place until the bones heal.
- Internal Fixation- In a surgical procedure metal rods, wires or screws are inserted into the bone fragments to keep them together.
- Fractured bones usually need at least 4 weeks to heal although casts may be removed before that to prevent stiffness (particularly for fractures involving the elbow or hand).
- Physical therapy may be required after the bone has healed.
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