What is a fracture?

The term “fracture” refers to a broken bone, the same way “crack” or “break” does. A bone may completely fracture or partially fracture in a wide variety of ways.

What are the different types of fractures?

Common classifications of fractures include:

Stress Fracture: Tiny cracks in a bone caused by repetitive force, often from overuse (running long distances, repetitively jumping). Stress fractures can also develop from regular use of a bone that’s weakened by a condition such as osteoporosis.

Stress fractures are most common in the lower leg and foot since they bare a lot of weight. 

Stable fractures: The broken ends of the bone line up with each other and stay in place.

Compound fractures: The pieces of bone may pierce the skin at the time of injury. The bone itself may possibly be visible sticking out of the wound.

Transverse fractures: The crack line will extend horizontally across the bone.

Oblique fractures: The crack line of this fracture will run at an angle.

Comminuted fractures: When the bone shatters into three or more separate pieces.

Where are the most common areas to fracture a bone?

• Clavicle
• Hip
• Wrist
• Ankle
• Arm

What are the symptoms of a fracture?

• Intense Pain(main symptom)
• Bruising near the injury site
• A visibly out-of-place or misshapen limb or joint
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Numbness and tingling
• Broken skin with bone protruding
• Limited mobility or inability to move a limb or put weight on the injury site

What causes a fracture?

• Fall from a height
• Trauma
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Hard collisions in high-intensity sports such as soccer, football, etc.
• Direct blow
• Child abuse
• Repetitive forces, such as those caused by running, can cause stress fractures of the foot, ankle, tibia, or hip

How are fractures treated?

Orthopedists can sometimes treat small, simple fractures by simply casting the area for 4-6 weeks. The physician will follow up on your progress with appointments and X-rays to the bone sets and heals correctly. 

Most acute fractures heal with a cast, which includes immobilization of the bone. Unstable fractures will require surgery (open or closed reduction and fixation). After surgery, the area will be placed in a cast for different time periods, depending on the surgeon’s preference. New studies mention the use of arthroscopically assisted reduction of unstable fractures as a means of making an accurate reduction with minimal surgical trauma and earlier movement of the area.

Patients usually see a physical therapist after removing the cast to help regain strength and motion.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists diagnose and treat patients with medical problems or injuries that limit their ability to take part in their daily lives. Patients will usually see a physical therapist after a referral by their primary physician. Physical therapists work with patients who have experienced an injury or disease that has affected their movement and range of motion.

At Nextgen Wellness Group, our team of licensed physical therapists and rehabilitation experts will focus on your total health and wellness. Regardless of the cause or source of your pain, we will develop a treatment plan with your unique issues in mind.