Fractures are either complete, meaning that the bone has been fully shattered and separated into different pieces, or partial, meaning that the bone is still intact. The most common fractures include stable, open, transverse, oblique, and comminuted fractures.
Fractures are typically caused by physical trauma, as may be experienced in situations ranging from tripping and falling to involvement in a car accident.
People with osteoporosis suffer from weakened bones, making them more likely to experience a fracture. Overuse of muscles from repetitive motion, which may occur in many sports and physical occupations, can also make bones more susceptible to fractures, as frequent pressure and stress weaken them and make them more vulnerable to injury. Certain deformities may also increase your risk of sustaining a fracture.
Casts are commonly used in fracture treatment to immobilize the affected area, keeping the bones and pieces in the proper position to heal correctly. Alternatively, a functional cast or brace may allow you to move the affected area in a limited manner, though this approach isn’t recommended for all types of fractures. Traction may be used to align the fractured bones and pieces before the placement of a cast.
For certain severe forms of fracture, an orthopedist may perform an external fixation procedure, using a metal bar connected to the broken bones from outside of your skin to keep them in the correct alignment to properly heal. Alternatively, your doctor may perform an open reduction and internal fixation procedure, in which your broken bones are held together in their correct alignment by screws and metal rods inside your arm.
If a deformity requires correction, such as a bone that is bent or twisted in an improper direction, it can be treated during a singular surgical procedure known as an acute correction or over a prolonged period of time, referred to as gradual correction.
Are you at risk of sustaining a bone fracture, trying to determine what type of fracture you may have, or exploring your options for treating a physical deformity? Read more about these injuries and the treatments available for them below.
Our surgeons have helped countless patients at some of the top trauma centers in the nation, and they’re ready to help you recover from your fracture or physical deformity. Schedule a consultation with one of our doctors now.