Our skeleton is made up of bones. Bones are a type of connective tissue that is strengthened with calcium and bone cells. The main function of our skeleton is to support our body, maintain proper movement and protect our internal organs. But our whole body is like a machine. It is normal to have some faults at some point in time. Similarly, fractures and broken bones are also common in our bones. prevent fractures or breaking bones problem can happen to any person at any time.
What Are Fractures And Broken Bones?
Fractures and Broken Bones are medical conditions when the continuity of the bone is broken. When the force applied against a bone is stronger than the bone, it can cause fractures and broken bones. This only disturbs the structure and strength of the bone.
Due to which there is pain, there is a problem in working or sometimes there may be bleeding or wound at that place. Fractures and broken bones can take four to eight weeks to heal. However, it depends on the age and health of the person and other conditions.
Causes Of Fractures And Broken Bones
Fractures and broken bones are different from other injuries to the skeleton, such as dislocations. Sometimes a person may have to face more than one type of injury. Its symptoms depend on the bone and the severity of the injury, which are as follows:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Deformity
- Inability to use the Limb
Fractures And Broken Bones: How Many Types Are There?
There are many different ways a bone can fracture. A crack in the bone is called a fracture. The different types of fractures and broken bones are as follows:
- Closed or Simple Fracture: If there is no damage to the skin due to a wound or break of the bone, then it is called a closed or simple fracture.
- Open or Compound Fracture: If the broken bone protrudes through the skin, or a wound leads to the fracture site. So, it is called open or compound fracture. There is a higher chance of infection and external bleeding.
- Greenstick Fracture: A small or thin crack in the bone is called a greenstick fracture. This can happen in children, as their bones are more flexible.
- Hairline Fracture: This is a common type of stress fracture. Frequent stress from activities such as jogging or running often results in pain in the leg or lower back.
- Complex Fracture: In this, the structures surrounding the fracture are injured. This can damage nerves, arteries or nerves, and can also injure bone linings.
- Comminuted Fracture: In this fracture, the bone breaks into small pieces. This type of complex fracture heals more slowly.
- Compression Fracture: This fracture occurs when one or more of the bones in the spine become weak and contract. Elderly people, especially those with osteoporosis, are more prone to it.
Diagnosis Of Fractures And Broken Bones
Your doctor may examine your injury to diagnose fractures and broken bones. You may also need to have one or more imaging tests for this. Its tests are as follows:
- X-rays
- Bone scan
- CT scan
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Treatment Of Fractures And Broken Bones
There are several methods that can be used to treat fractures and broken bones. These treatments depend on the injury and the condition of the bone. These treatments are as follows:
Cast or Splint: Doctors usually recommend a cast or splint to treat fractures and broken bones. Casts protect the fracture with tight protection, while splints only protect one side of the injury. It both prevents the movement of the sports bone and helps to keep it straight, which helps the bone to heal faster. You won’t get a cast for small bones like the hands and toes. Your doctor may use a splint for this.
Traction: In some cases, your doctor may recommend traction. This treatment uses pulses and weights to pull the muscles and tendons around the broken bone. Traction aligns the bone to help it heal faster.
Surgery: In case of some fractures or fractures, the doctor may also recommend surgery. In this, doctors use Stainless Steel Screws, Plates and Fixators or Frames etc. So that the bone can be kept properly attached.
Complications Associated With Fracture Or Fracture?
Healing time for a broken bone varies from person to person and depends on the severity of the injury. The complications associated with bone fractures are as follows:
- Blood Clots: This problem can increase due to the blockage of blood vessels. This can cause the bone to break free or move through the body.
- Cast-Wearing Complications: This can lead to pressure ulcers (sores) and joint stiffness.
- Compartment syndrome: This can cause bleeding and swelling in the muscles around the fracture.
- Hemarthrosis: This swelling can be caused by the weight of bleeding in the joints.
Prevention of Fractures And Broken Bones
You can avoid fractures and bone fractures only if you avoid falls, stay in shape and take the right vitamins and minerals. Know how you can protect yourself from fractures and broken bones:
Avoid Falls
Following some of these tips can help you avoid falls, such as:
- If your balance is not right, then take balance training or physical therapy, as well as take the help of a cane or walker.
- If there are stars or other obstacles in your room, remove them immediately to avoid falling.
- When you are at home, wear not only socks but also shoes. Use good shoes that do not cause slippage.
- Make sure you have the right lighting in your home.
- Take proper care of your eyes.
- Treat with water, ice, etc., carefully so that your balance does not get disturbed.
Stay Fit
Doing weight-bearing exercises like walking will help keep your bones healthy and strong. Exercises that build muscles and help maintain them. Doing this will also keep your balance right.
Eat Healthily
Take care of your diet and take calcium daily to keep your bones strong. Be sure to include dry fruits, beans, dairy products, eggs, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, etc. in your diet. Along with this, avoid the consumption of an unhealthy diet. Along with this, bring changes in your lifestyle. Like, get enough sleep, exercise etc. With this, you can get rid of the problem of bone fractures and fractures right now.
Bones can break even though they are strong. Fractures and Broken Bones are painful and require immediate treatment. In most cases associated with this, you will need treatment to continue doing normal activities. It usually takes a few days for a fracture to fully recover. If you are concerned about any bone-related problem such as osteoporosis, consult Orthopedic Surgeon.