Fractures occur when our bones are subjected to high outside stress forcing them to break. Alternatively, fractures could be influenced by existing medical conditions such as cancer or osteoporosis that weaken the bones. It can be challenging for you to distinguish between a minor and major fracture on your own. Therefore, it is always advised that you seek immediate medical attention for further checkups. Book an appointment today with Battle Born Bone for fracture care in Las Vegas. Untreated conditions could lead to more severe complications. Here is everything you want to know about bone fractures.
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What are the causes of most fractures?
Healthy bones are hard and can withstand severe impacts from an outside force. However, age and other health factors could make our bones weak and vulnerable to an outside force. High amounts of force could cause fractures even to the strongest of bones. Children and adults who are more active are also more likely to suffer from broken bones.
Pathological fracture, a different type of fracture, occurs in people with preexisting medical conditions. Some of these conditions include tumors, infection, or osteoporosis. Such illnesses weaken bones, making them prone to injuries after a small impact. Stress fractures are the most common event with the other possible causes.
Diagnosing and treating bone fractures
You should seek medical treatment if you experience an injury that causes pain, swelling, skin discoloration, immobility in the affected area, and angulation. Severe injuries may make you dizzy, pale, and develop a feeling of nausea. When this happens, it is essential that you avoid movement in the injured area as much as possible until you arrive at the hospital.
Here, the doctor will take a closer look at the symptoms, perform further examinations, and prepare to make a diagnosis. The diagnosis process involves an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. According to the extent of your injury, the doctor will choose the best treatment path.
1. Immobilization
The doctor will use general anesthesia if the treatment involves bone reduction. Afterward, they will apply any of the following measures to ensure the bone stays aligned.
- Plaster casts: They are plastic braces that immobilize bones until they are fully healed.
- Metal plates: The doctor may use plates or screws but with minimally invasive techniques.
- Intramedullary nails: They are used for support in long bones.
- External fixators: These fixators go through your skin to hold the bone until healing.
2. Healing
Immobilization is essential for the following two to eight weeks to give the bone time to heal. Doctors recommend physical therapy after the bone has healed to strengthen the area and restore full mobility. Therapy will also reduce the risks of arthritis or stiffness. For the cases where there was an injury to your skin, doctors use plastic surgery to restore appearance.
When you visit the hospital, doctors can take a closer look at your condition to establish the best treatment option. They also offer injections and medications to eliminate discomforts during healing. Book an appointment today with Battle Born Bone for comprehensive care for all issues regarding bone fractures.