Are you concerned that you may have a fractured bone?
If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or bruising as a result of a fall or other trauma and you’re unable to put weight on the injured area, you may have a fracture.
Fractures, also known as broken bones, generally occur because of a high-force impact or trauma. No matter the cause, if you’ve got a fracture, the broken pieces of your bone need to be put back together (or set) and need rest and immobilization to properly heal.
Although there are many different types of fractures, there are four main categories: displaced, non-displaced, open, and closed fractures.
A displaced fracture is a bone break in which the fragments are separated and are no longer in alignment. In a non-displaced or stable fracture, the broken ends of your bone line up and or are barely out of place. An open or compound fracture exists if your broken bone pierced the skin at the time of the break. A closed fracture is a broken bone that has not penetrated the skin.
Doctors will often order an X-ray or in some cases an MRI or CT scan to confirm the fracture and develop a treatment option.
Plaster or fiberglass casts – or an immobilizing brace – are the most common ways to treat a fracture. Most broken bones heal successfully once they’ve been repositioned and immobilized. Normally the fractured bone area is immobilized for two to eight weeks; the duration depends upon which bone is affected and whether you have any additional medical issues such as a blood supply problem or an infection. If a broken bone has been aligned properly and kept immobile, the healing process is usually straightforward.
Signature Medical Group’s practitioners are board-certified orthopedic surgeons whose expertise, experience, and leadership in their profession translate into exceptional medical care and treatment for you.
If you or your loved one has experienced an injury that you suspect has resulted in a broken bone, contact one of our St. Louis or Kansas City orthopedic specialists to be evaluated and treated.