Bone Fractures: Treatment & Complications

Types of Bone Fractures

Bone fractures refer to a break or crack in the bone caused by sudden pressure due to overuse, injury, or an accident. Some may be minor and can heal quickly, but some can be serious and need surgery.

What are the Different Types of Bone Fracture?

There are many different types of bone fractures. Your doctor will diagnose a specific fracture type based on a few criteria, including its:

• Cause: Some fractures are categorised by how they happen.
• Pattern: A fracture pattern is the medical term for the shape of a break or how it looks like.
• Body part: Where in your body your broke a bone.

Thus, knowing the different types of fractures can help you understand their severity and get the right treatment.

Hairline Fracture

A hairline fracture is a tiny crack in the bone. It is also called a stress fracture because it often happens due to repeated stress or overuse rather than a single injury. Athletes, especially runners and basketball players, get these a lot because of the constant pressure on their legs and feet.

At first, the pain might be mild, and you may not even notice the fracture. But over time, the pain worsens, especially when putting weight on the affected bone. There can be slight swelling and tenderness, but there is usually no obvious deformity.

Displaced Oblique Fracture

A displaced oblique fracture is a diagonal break in the bone where the two ends have moved out of place. This type of fracture usually happens due to a strong impact, like a fall from a height or a car accident. Because the bone is not aligned properly, it will not heal correctly without medical intervention.

Doctors often need to realign the bone through surgery. Metal plates, screws, or rods are used to hold the bone in place while it heals. Recovery may take several months, and patients may need physical therapy to restore movement and strength.

Non-Displaced Oblique Fracture

This type of fracture is similar to a displaced oblique fracture but less severe. The bone still breaks diagonally, but the ends stay in place. Since the alignment remains intact, the healing process is much easier.

Doctors usually treat a non-displaced oblique fracture with a cast or brace to keep the bone stable. Most people recover in 6 to 8 weeks, but it depends on the location and severity of the fracture.

Linear Fracture

A linear fracture is a straight break along the length of the bone. This often happens due to a direct impact, like getting hit with a hard object or falling on a hard surface. These fractures are common in accidents or contact sports.

Since linear fractures do not usually cause the bone to shift out of place, they are relatively stable. The symptoms include pain and swelling, but in most cases, the bone remains aligned. Doctors typically treat linear fractures with a cast or splint to prevent movement while the bone heals.

1. Comminuted Fracture

A comminuted fracture is one of the most severe types of fracture. In this case, the bone shatters into multiple pieces. It usually happens due to a high-impact injury, like a car crash, a serious fall, or a direct blow from a heavy object.

These fractures are extremely painful and cause significant swelling. The affected area may look deformed, and movement is nearly impossible. Therefore, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery to tend to the broken pieces.

Spiral Fracture

A spiral fracture is a specific kind of bone break that happens when a twisting force is exerted on a long bone. This results in a fracture line that spirals around the bone, much like a corkscrew or a winding staircase. It can usually happen during sports, especially when the foot or hand stays planted while the body twists or in accidents, resulting in sudden rotation of the limb.

Naturally, a spiral fracture is more complex to treat than a simple break. In mild cases, a cast or brace is enough to keep the bone in place while it heals. However, if the fracture is severe or if the bone is misaligned, surgery is required. The healing process can take longer than other fractures due to the twisting nature of the injury.

Segmental Fracture

A segmental fracture happens when the bone breaks in two or more places. This serious injury usually results from high-energy trauma like a major car accident or a heavy fall.

Because the same bone has multiple fractures, the healing process becomes complicated and lengthy. Surgeons almost always perform surgery. In some cases, they use external fixation devices to hold the bone in place from outside the body.

To speed up healing, patients should follow their doctor’s advice, avoid putting weight on the injured bone, and maintain a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Moreover, taking preventive measures to reduce the risk of fractures is important.

Treatment of Bone Fractures

Fractured bones heal by themselves- the aim of medical treatment for bone fracture is to make sure the pieces of bones are lined up in ordered manner. The bone needs to recover fully in strength, sensitivity and movement. Some critical fractures may require surgical traction or surgery (or both).

Based on where the fracture is and how severe, treatment may include:

• Braces: In order to support the bone
• Splints: To prevent the movement of the broken limb
• Traction: a less common option
• Surgically inserted metal rods or plates: To hold the bone pieces together
• Plaster cast: To immobilise or provide support to the bone
• Pain Relief: To minimise pain
   

Complications of Bone Fractures

Complications caused by bone fracture can include:

• Blood Loss: Bones have a dense blood supply. A severe break can make you lose a bulk amount of blood.
• Stunted growth of the Bone: If a child’s long bone breaks and affects the growth plates (physical plates) near the joint.
•  Injuries to organs, tissues or surrounding structures: For an instance, the brain can be damaged by a skull fracture. Chest organs can be damaged in case a rib breaks.

This may include wearing protective gear during sports, taking enough calcium, and fall prevention, especially in older individuals. If you suspect a fracture, seek medical attention right away to prevent complications and ensure proper healing.

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