Breaks and Fractures

What are breaks and fractures?

Breaks and fractures are broken bones that appear because of weakened bones, falls, or traumatic injuries. They range in severity from mild to severe. For example, a hairline fracture is simply a crack in your bone, while an open compound fracture punctures your skin. Bones can break lengthwise, crosswise, in multiple places, or into smaller pieces. 

Prompt treatment is vital for effective healing and keeping your pain under control. See the Go To Ortho team if you suspect a broken bone. 

What are the symptoms of breaks and fractures?

Breaks and fractures can cause:

• Intense pain
• Grinding or snapping sounds during the injury
• Swelling
• Redness
• Bruising
• Dizziness or passing out
• Pain that worsens when you touch or move the injured area
• Inability to bear weight
• Visible musculoskeletal deformity
• Feeling cold because of shock

Go To Ortho also treats other injuries, such as sprains, strains, tears, torn ligaments, dislocations, and lacerations. 

What are the risk factors for breaks and fractures?

Broken bones happen because of:

• Playing sports
• Work injuries
• Falls
• Car accidents
• Osteoporosis
• Repetitive stress
• Physical assault

Fractures may involve your foot, ankle, hand, hip, knee, wrist, shoulder, or other areas. It’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible after such injuries.

What are the different types of breaks and fractures?

Examples of different types of breaks and fractures include:

• Comminuted fracture - bone breaks into multiple fragments
• Oblique fracture - break that is at an angle or curved
• Greenstick fracture - bone that bends
• Open compound fracture - skin is pierced by a bone that breaks
• Stable fracture - lined up broken bones that aren’t out of place
• Pathological fracture - breaks caused by osteoporosis or other diseases
• Transverse fracture - bone breaks at a 90-degree angle
• Stress fracture - crack in a bone

The type of fracture you sustain determines how to best treat your injury. Your provider discusses your medical history and symptoms, completes a physical exam, and orders on-site X-rays. 

How are breaks and fractures treated?

The Go To Ortho team personalizes your fracture treatment plan to optimize the outcome. They may suggest:

Cast immobilization

Your specialist places a hard cast around the broken bone after repositioning to keep the bones aligned and immobilized during the healing process. 

Functional braces and casts

A brace or cast allows limited movement of nearby joints while a fracture heals.

Traction

Traction uses gentle pulling action to realign a broken bone.

Surgery

Surgery for broken bones may include external fixation with metal pins or screws connected to metal outside your body — or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to reposition bones using screws, plates, and sometimes rods attached to outer surfaces or inside of your bones. 

How long does it take for breaks and fractures to heal?

Broken bones often take 6-12 weeks to heal, although recovery times vary from person to person. Children’s bones often heal faster than adults'. Reducing the risk of future fractures includes a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing exercises, and dietary supplements if needed.

You may need physical therapy during recovery to restore strength and mobility.

If you suspect a break or fracture, schedule an appointment at Go To Ortho by phone, request one online, or simply walk in today.