Bone Fractures: Types, Symptoms & Treatment

Bone fractures are frequent injuries that can occur at any age. If you’re over fifty or have a family background of osteoporosis, discuss quickly with your physician getting a bone density test.

If you break a bone, surgery may be required to heal it. Some patients need a splint, cast, brace, or sling to mend their bones. The time it takes to recover fully depends on which of your bones is fractured, where the fracture is located, and what caused it.

Different Types of Bone Fractures

There are several forms of fractures. A particular fracture type will be diagnosed by your physician based on a few factors, including

Pattern or Shape

The pattern of certain fractures is used to classify them. This can be the direction of the break (if it’s a straight light across your bone) or the form of the break (if it’s more than a single-line break).

The following fractures feature a single straight-line break:

• Oblique fractures.
• Transverse fractures.
• Longitudinal fractures

The following fracture patterns do not shatter your bone in a single straight line:

• Greenstick fractures.
• Comminuted fractures.
• Segmental fractures.
• Spiral fractures.

Cause

A few types of fractures are named or categorized based on their etiology. These are some examples:

• Fractures caused by stress
• Fractures caused by avulsion.
• Fractures of the buckle

Location or Body Part

Many fractures are particular to the location in your body where they occur. In certain circumstances, a location-based fracture might coexist with one of the above categories. A violent fall, for example, may result in a comminuted tibia (shin bone) fracture.

Fractures of the chest, arms, and upper body include

• Clavicle fractures (broken collarbones).
• Shoulder fractures.
• Humerus (upper arm bone) fractures.
• Elbow fractures.
• Rib fractures.
• Compression fractures.
• Facial fractures.

Some examples of hand or wrist fractures are:

• Barton fractures.
• Chauffeur fractures.
• Colles fractures.
• Smith fractures.
• Scaphoid fractures.
• Metacarpal fractures

The following are examples of fractures that harm the bones in your lower body and legs:

• Pelvic fractures.
• Acetabular fractures.
• Hip fractures.
• Femur fractures.
• Patella fractures.
• Growth plate fractures.
• Tibia and fibula fractures.

Open vs Closed Fractures

Your fracture will be classified as either open or closed. An open fracture occurs when your bone breaks through your skin. Open fractures are sometimes known as complex fractures. They typically take longer to heal and are more prone to infections and other problems. Closed fractures are still dangerous, but the bone does not protrude through the skin.

Displaced vs Non-Displaced Fractures

Your fracture will also be described as displaced or non-displaced by your physician. When your bone cracked, the fragments of your bone migrated so far apart that a gap developed around the fracture. Non-displaced fractures are still shattered bones, but the fragments were not shifted far enough to be out of alignment during the break. Displaced fractures are far more likely to have a surgical correction.

Who Often Gets a Bone Fracture?

Anyone can suffer from a bone fracture. It’s difficult to predict when someone may break a bone because they’re frequently caused by traumas like falls, vehicle accidents, or sports injuries. If your bones are compromised by osteoporosis, you are more susceptible to fracture.

What is Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis weakens bones, making people more prone to fractures that occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Many people might not realise they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. There are generally no noticeable signs.

People born female and people over the age of 50 are more likely to develop osteoporosis. Consult your healthcare practitioner about a bone density screening, which can detect osteoporosis before it causes a fracture.

Symptoms of Bone Fractures

Symptoms of bone fractures include

• Pain.
• Swelling.
• Tenderness.
• Inability to move a part of your body like you usually can.
• Bruising or discoloration.
• A deformity or bump that’s not usually on your body.

Causes of Bone Fractures

Traumas nearly usually produce bone fractures. Anything that strikes one of your bones hard enough can break it. Among the most prevalent reasons are

• Car accidents.
• Falls.
• Sports injuries.

It is possible to fracture a bone without being injured. Stress fractures can be caused by repetitive stresses, such as jogging or participating in sports. Similarly, performing a single movement or motion over and over can cause overuse syndrome in your hands and arms. You are more prone to develop a stress fracture if you perform a musical instrument or use your hands in the same manner every day at work.

If you have osteoporosis, your chances of breaking a bone are considerably enhanced. Every year, osteoporosis causes about one million fractures.

Diagnosis for Bone Fractures

A physical exam and imaging tests will be used by your clinician to identify a bone fracture. If you’re admitted to the hospital following a trauma, this may be done in the emergency room.

If you are rushed to the emergency room, a team of providers will stabilize you and treat your injuries in order of severity, especially if they are life-threatening. After you’ve been stabilized, imaging tests will be required to confirm any fractures.

Tests performed to diagnose bone fractures are

• X-rays: An X-ray will confirm any fractures and reveal how badly your bones have been affected.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Your provider may utilize an MRI to obtain a comprehensive view of the damage to your bones and the surrounding region. An MRI will also reveal tissue such as cartilage and ligaments around your bones.
• CT scan: Unlike an X-ray, a CT scan provides your physician or surgeon with a more complete view of your bones and surrounding tissue.
• Bone Scan: A bone scan is used by healthcare practitioners to detect fractures that are not visible on an X-ray. This scan takes longer (often two visits four hours apart), but it can aid in the detection of certain fractures.

Treatment of Bone Fractures

The treatment of bone fractures focuses on restoring the bone’s alignment, ensuring stability, and promoting proper healing. The approach varies based on the type, severity, and location of the fracture.

Non-Surgical Methods

1. Immobilization: Mild to moderate fractures often require immobilization to prevent movement and facilitate healing. This can be done using:
   • Casts or splints to hold the bone in place.
   • Braces for controlled movement in specific cases.
2. Manual Realignment (Closed Reduction): In cases where bones have shifted out of position but do not require surgery, a healthcare provider may physically manipulate the bone back into alignment before applying a cast or splint.
3. Traction: This method uses a steady pulling force to align the bones properly. It is generally used for more complex fractures and may serve as a temporary measure before surgery.

Surgical Interventions

1. Internal Fixation: For severe fractures, internal fixation techniques stabilize the bone using:
   • Metal rods are inserted through the bone’s center.
   • Plates and screws are used to stabilize and secure bone fragments.
   • Pins and wires for smaller bone pieces.
2. External Fixation: In cases where soft tissue damage prevents immediate internal fixation, an external frame connected by pins or screws stabilizes the bone from the outside.
3. Bone Grafting: When a fracture fails to heal properly or involves significant bone loss, a graft from the patient’s own body, a donor, or synthetic material may be used to promote bone regeneration.
4. Joint Replacement: If a fracture affects a major joint, such as the hip or shoulder, the damaged area may be replaced with an artificial joint to restore function.

Post-Treatment Recovery

Healing time depends on the bone involved and individual factors such as age, nutrition, and overall health. After immobilization or surgery, rehabilitation through physical therapy helps restore mobility and strength. Steering clear of smoking and excessive alcohol intake can aid in a smoother recovery process.

Prevention

Reducing the risk of bone fractures involves a balanced diet, regular exercise, and safety precautions. Consuming calcium-rich foods like dairy and leafy greens, along with vitamin D from sunlight or food sources, strengthens bones. Weight-bearing exercises and strength training improve bone density and coordination, reducing fracture risks. Preventing falls by keeping living spaces clutter-free, using assistive devices, and wearing proper footwear is crucial. Regular bone density tests help detect early signs of weakness, especially for those over 50 or with osteoporosis risk. Refraining from smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing hormonal changes contribute to better bone health.

When to See an Ortho Doctor

Consult an orthopedist if you are over the age of fifty or have a family history of osteoporosis.

Frequently Asked Questions