This includes osteoporosis or cancer in the bones. Symptoms may be a bit different for each person. Symptoms of a broken or fractured bone may include:. The symptoms of a broken bone may seem like other health conditions or problems. Always see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will take a full health history including asking how the injury happened. You will also have a physical exam. Tests used for a fracture may include:.
The goal of treatment is to put the pieces of bone back in place, control the pain, give the bone time to heal, prevent complications, and restore normal use of the fractured area. Most fractures are caused by accidents such as falls, or by other injuries. But there are some things you may be able to do to reduce your risk of bone fractures. These include:. See a healthcare provider any time you think you may have a broken bone. An open fracture one in which the bone comes through the skin so you can see it or a deep wound that exposes the bone through the skin is considered an emergency.
Get medical care right away for this type of fracture. Any injury to the bones of the spine is also a medical emergency. These cause severe back pain and may cause nerve problems. These include numbness, tingling, weakness, or bowel and bladder problems. Call if you think someone has a break in the bones of their spine. Skip to content. Fractures Not what you're looking for?
Start New Search. What is a fracture? Or a deep wound exposes the bone through the skin. Closed fracture simple fracture. The bone is broken, but the skin is intact. Here is a list of types that may happen: Greenstick. This is an incomplete break. A part of the bone is broken, causing the other side to bend. A fracture is a broken bone. It requires medical attention. If the broken bone is the result of major trauma or injury, call or your local emergency number.
Don't move the person except if necessary to avoid further injury. Take these actions immediately while waiting for medical help:. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.
Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you. Splints do not have to be professionally manufactured. Items like wooden boards and folded magazines can work for some fractures.
You should immobilise the limb above and below the fracture Use a sling to support an arm or collarbone fracture Raise the fractured area if possible and apply a cold pack to reduce swelling and pain Stop the person from eating or drinking anything until they are seen by a doctor, in case they will need surgery In an emergency, call triple zero for an ambulance.
Diagnosis and treatment of bone fractures Doctors can diagnose bone fractures with x-rays. Depending on where the fracture is and how severe, treatment may include: Splints — to stop movement of the broken limb Braces — to support the bone Plaster cast — to provide support and immobilise the bone Traction — a less common option Surgically inserted metal rods or plates — to hold the bone pieces together Pain relief.
Operation procedure for bone fractures A cast made from plaster of Paris is one of the most common ways of immobilising a limb. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, the operation procedures can include: Closed or simple fractures — the two ends of the broken bone are lined up and held in place. The limb is thoroughly bandaged, then the wet plaster is applied. Sometimes, once the plaster is dry, the cast is split into two and the two halves are re-bandaged on the outside.
This allows for any swelling that may occur Open or compound fractures — these are thoroughly cleaned in the operating room to remove debris before being set, because a broken bone exposed to the open air may become infected Long bones — long bones such as the bone of the thigh femur are difficult to keep aligned.
In adults these are often treated by internal nailing. A child may need traction for a couple of days before setting the bone in a cast. Once the two ends of bone start to show signs of healing, the leg and hip joint are immobilised in plaster of Paris.
This is done under a general anaesthetic. Immediately after an operation on a bone fracture After surgery, your doctor will check that you have full feeling in the area.
The healing process for bone fractures Blood clots that form on the broken ends of bone are the start of the healing process.
Other treatments for bone fractures Some bones, such as the collarbone or bones of the toes, are immobilised with a sling or splint instead of plastered and rested for about two months. Complications of bone fractures Possible complications of a bone fracture may include: Poor alignment of the limb Infection Wrongly fitted plaster cast for example, too tight or too loose.
Rest the limb as much as possible. Use the techniques shown to you by nurses to walk or manage day-to-day activities. For example, you risk further injury if you use crutches incorrectly. Avoid any lifting or driving until the fracture has healed. Instead, use a hairdryer to blow cool air into the cast.
Wet plaster can also irritate your skin. When showering, wrap the cast in a plastic bag and tape it directly to your skin, to keep the area watertight. See your doctor immediately if you have swelling, blueness or loss of movement of the fingers or toes, pins and needles, numbness or increased pain. Long-term outlook after a bone fracture In most cases, your cast will be removed after a few weeks but you must treat the limb with care for at least the next month or so.
Where to get help Your doctor Hospital emergency department In an emergency, always call triple zero Things to remember A fracture is a break or a crack in a bone. A fracture occurs when force exerted against a bone is stronger than the bone can structurally withstand. The most common sites for bone fractures are the wrist, ankle and hip. Treatment includes immobilising the bone with a plaster cast, or surgically inserting metal rods or plates to hold the bone pieces together.
Some complicated fractures may need surgery and surgical traction. Avoid high dose Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen. These medications can inhibit the early phase of fracture healing. Are you ready to return to a life of restored mobility and function? Schedule an appointment today with Dr. How are Fractures Treated? Non-surgical methods of treating fractures include: Cast: Casts are a tried and true method of fracture treatment and may be made of plaster or fiberglass.
Making an Appointment Are you ready to return to a life of restored mobility and function? Our Team. Patient Resources. Patient Portal. For Providers. Urgent Ortho. Request an Appointment.
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