Bone Fractures are a prevalent form of injury and can affect anyone at any age. Every one of us has experienced a fracture by ourselves or someone around us. In medical terms, it's defined as a partial or complete breakdown in the continuity of bone, which leads to instability of the bone.
How A Fracture Can Occur?
Most human bones are strong and can withstand substantial impacts or forces in daily activities like walking, running, etc. However, bones break when a force is exerted against a bone, which is more vital than it can usually withstand.
Various reasons can contribute to it, such as
Falls
Accident
Sports Injuries
Weak bones are due to any underlying medical condition like Osteoporosis.
Risk Factors of Fractures:
1. Increasing Age- As we age, bones become weak due to the degeneration process of the bone, increasing the chance of fractures.
2. Other risk factors include -
Smoking
Alcoholism
Medications such as corticosteroids
Physical inactivity
Various Types of Fractures:
Fractures are usually classified into different types according to the: -
1. Pattern Of Break - Linear, Oblique, Spiral, Segmental, Comminuted, etc.
2. Cause Of Injury - Traumatic, Stress, Pathological
3. Body Part Affected
Signs & Symptoms of Fractures:
The symptoms of fractures include-
1. Intense Pain
2. Swelling
3. Tenderness
4. Bruising or discoloration
5. Deformity or bump at the site of injury.
6. Most importantly, the affected area has difficulty moving or weight-bearing.
What to Do After Getting Fractures?
When such symptoms occur, immediate medical attention and proper handling of the broken bone are required. The doctor will ask for a brief history of injury and symptoms. This is followed by examining whether there are any other accompanying injuries, then asking for X Ray's investigation. Diagnosis of fracture and knowing what type of fracture it is can be confirmed on an X-ray investigation, and then treatment can be started immediately to treat pain and fracture.
What can be the Treatment of Fracture?
Treatment options depend on the type of fracture. The goal is to keep the broken pieces in alignment (i.e. Reduction) and immobilize them (i.e. Hold) till they heal and stabilize. A cast is used to keep the reduced broken bone stable in its place till it is healed.
In complex fractures, surgery is required. Usually, it takes 4-6 weeks of immobilization to heal the broken bone. After the extended period of immobilization, gentle exercises are started to gain back the mobility of soft tissues and joints. The initial period for mobility exercises should be done under the supervision of a physiotherapist. A physiotherapist helps restore muscle strength and joint function during rehabilitation through exercises and manual therapy techniques. Treatment progresses gradually from a range of motion exercises and strengthening to balance and weight-bearing training of the affected limb until the patient returns to their activities of daily living.
In conclusion, a fracture occurs when a bone breaks due to forces stronger than it can withstand, such as falls, accidents, or weakened bones from conditions like Osteoporosis. Fractures vary by type and severity, requiring medical diagnosis, usually through X-rays, to guide treatment. Treatment aims to realign and immobilize the bone for healing, often with a cast or surgery in complex cases. Recovery involves rehabilitation with a physiotherapist to restore strength and mobility, gradually enabling a return to daily activities.
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