Fractures: Understanding and Healing Bone Breaks

North Beverley Medical Centre

Pighill Lane
Off Woodall Way
BEVERLEY
HU17 7JY
Telephone: 01482 882546

Medical Emergencies dial 999

Out of Hours:  dial  111

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FRACTURES

A fracture is a break, usually in a bone. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open or compound fracture. Fractures commonly occur due to high force impact or stress, but they can also be a result of certain medical conditions that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis.

Types of Fractures

  • Simple (Closed) Fracture: :
    • The bone breaks but there is no open wound in the skin.
  • Compound (Open) Fracture::
    • The bone breaks and punctures through the skin.
  • Greenstick Fracture: :
    • A partial fracture in which one side of the bone is broken and the other side bends. This type is more common in children.
  • Transverse Fracture:
    • The fracture is at a right angle to the bone's axis.
  • Oblique Fracture:
    • The fracture has an angled pattern.
  • Comminuted Fracture::
    • The fracture has an angled pattern.
  • Spiral Fracture: 
    • The fracture spirals around the bone, common in twisting injuries
  • Oblique Fracture:
    • The bone shatters into three or more pieces.
  • Stress Fracture:
    • A small crack in the bone that often develops from chronic overuse.

Causes

  • Trauma :
    • Such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries
  • Osteoporosis:
    • A condition that weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures.
  • Overuse:
    • Repetitive motions that can fatigue muscles and place more stress on bones.
  • Medical Conditions:
    • Certain diseases like cancer or osteogenesis imperfecta can weaken bones.

Symptoms

  • Intense pain at the site of the fracture.
  • Swelling, bruising, or bleeding
  • Deformity (e.g., limb out of place).
  • Inability to use the affected part of the body
  • A grating sensation or sound when the affected area is moved

Diagnosis

  • Physical Examination:
    • A doctor will check the injured area for swelling, deformity, and pain
  • X-Rays
    • The most common way to confirm a fracture and assess its severity.
  • MRI or CT Scan 
    • Used for more complex fractures to get detailed images of soft tissues and bone structures.

Treatment

  • Immobilisation::
    • Using casts, splints, or braces to keep the bone in place while it heals.
  • Medication:
    • Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain and reduce swelling.
  • Surgery: 
    • Required for severe fractures that cannot heal properly with just immobilisation. This may involve the use of metal rods, screws, or plates to hold the bone fragments together.
  • Physical Therapy:  
    • After the bone heals, physical therapy is often necessary to restore movement, strength, and function.
  • Rest and Elevation:  
    • Important to reduce pain and swelling.

Home Care Tips

  • Ice Application:
    • Apply ice packs to the injured area for 20-minute intervals to reduce swelling.
  • Elevation:
    • Keep the injured limb elevated above heart level to reduce swelling.
  • Avoid Putting Weight 
    • Avoid putting weight on the injured area until it has healed properly
  • Follow-up Appointments:  
    • Attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to ensure proper healing.

Prevention

  • Calcium and Vitamin D: 
    • Maintain a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to strengthen bones.
  • Exercise:
    • Regular weight-bearing exercises can help keep bones strong
  • Protective Gear: 
    • Use appropriate protective gear when engaging in sports or activities that risk falls and injuries.
  • Fall-Proof Home:  
    • Ensure the home environment is safe, especially for the elderly, by removing tripping hazards and installing grab bars in bathrooms.

When to Seek Medical Help

  • Severe pain that doesn't improve with over-the-counter painkillers.
  • Visible bone deformity.
  • Inability to move the injured part.
  • Numbness or tingling below the injury site.
  • Signs of infection such as redness, warmth, and pus drainage if there is an open fracture.

Consulting with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan is essential for effectively managing fractures.

Fractures - Information & Support

Hull Royal Infirmary hosts an Accident & Emergency Department and an Urgent Treatment Centre, both of which can deal with fractures 

HULL ROYAL INFIRMARY URGENT TREATMENT CENTRE
NHS