Experiencing a bone fracture is more common than most people think. These injuries can occur from a variety of situations, such as sports activities, accidents, or even a simple fall. Understanding the risk factors, taking preventive measures, and knowing when to see a bone doctor or orthopedic doctor can help reduce the likelihood of fractures.
This article will take a comprehensive look at fractures and how an orthopedic doctor treats them.
What is a Bone Fracture?
A bone fracture is a break or crack in a bone. Fractures occur when the bone is subjected to more force than it can handle. The force can cause it to split, crack, or completely break into pieces.
Fractures can range from thin cracks to severe breaks where the bone shatters or protrudes through the skin.
Anyone can get a fracture. It can happen from physical activity, such as in sports, or it can be from an accident, such as being hit by a car or a fall. They can also result from aging or a medical condition.
How Orthopedic Doctors Treat Bone Fractures
Orthopedic doctors are crucial in diagnosing and treating fractures. They ensure patients can heal properly and regain full function.
A bone fracture that is not properly addressed might not heal correctly. This can lead to the bone healing in the wrong way. An incorrectly healed bone fracture can be painful or awkward to deal with.
Visiting a bone doctor ensures the fracture is diagnosed, set, and treated correctly.
How Will An Orthopedic Doctor Near Me Diagnose A Fracture?
The first step in treating any fracture is an accurate diagnosis. The bone doctor will use a physical exam and imaging tests to determine the severity of the fracture.
Physical Examination
The orthopedic doctor will examine the affected area. Some things they will assess are pain, swelling, and any visible deformities. They will also check for tenderness and listen for crepitus. Crepitus is a grating sound that indicates bone fragments are rubbing together.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests let your doctor examine the inside of your body without having to physically open it. These images are invaluable in helping the doctor identify where the fracture is located. Seeing the bone also lets your doctor know the type of fracture that’s occurred.
The three imaging tests you are most likely to encounter are X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans.
X-ray testing is a non-invasive imaging technique using electromagnetic radiation. Doctors use it to scan and create images of bones, which helps them identify fractures.
CT scans are for more complex fractures. They might order a CT scan if other body parts, like your organs, might be affected. This gives a more detailed, three-dimensional view of the injury.
MRI scans help the doctor see soft tissues. This is important if you might have ligament or tendon damage on top of the fracture.
After the bone doctor diagnoses your fracture, they will determine the best course of action. This might be non-surgical or surgical treatment, depending on the severity of the injury.
Non-Surgical Treatment
While surgical treatment may be best for some fractures, many fractures do not need it. Simple fractures without significant bone displacement can often be managed without surgery.
Immobilization
Immobilization stabilizes the bone. You will wear a cast, splint, wrap, or sling to hold the bone in place while it heals. For example, broken collarbone treatment involves a shoulder immobilizer to stabilize it.
Medication
Your doctor will ensure that you have ways to manage pain in the early stages of recovery. Orthopedic doctors typically prescribe medication, such as anti-inflammatory medicines or painkillers. These medications help manage and alleviate any discomfort the patient feels.
Physical Therapy
Once the bone has healed, physical therapy is essential for rebuilding strength and improving range of motion. Exercises tailored to the injury help prevent stiffness and muscle loss during immobilization.
Surgical Treatment
More severe breaks might need surgery. This might be if the bone is at an unusual angle, or if there are bone splinters that need removal.
Reduction
For more severe fractures, surgery may be needed to realign the broken bone pieces. This process, called reduction, ensures the bones heal in the correct position.
Fixation
The surgeon uses various tools to hold the bones in place while they heal. The most commonly known method is a cast, but doctors might use plates, screws, or rods, as well. Fixation can be either internal or external, depending on the nature of the fracture.
Arthroplasty
Some bones might not be repairable, especially joints. Arthroplasty replaces your bones with artificial parts.
Bone Grafting
The surgeon may perform a bone graft, where they surgically apply bone tissue to the damaged area. The bone tissue will either come from the patient or from a compatible donor.
Recovering From a Bone Fracture
Treatment is only the beginning when addressing a bone fracture. Post-operative care and rehabilitation are critical in ensuring a patient recovers completely.
Post-Operative Care
Pain management and wound care are top priorities. Following the doctor’s instructions is crucial to prevent complications.
Physical therapy helps patients regain strength, mobility, and function.
Recovery Time
How long it takes to fully recover from a fracture depends on various factors. The patient’s health and the nature of the fracture will play a part in determining how long recovery takes.
Younger patients and simple fractures tend to heal faster. Older individuals or complex fractures may need more time.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation helps a patient return to their normal life faster and stronger. It may involve different types of therapy, like physical or occupational therapy.
Reliable Bone Doctor Near Me in San Antonio, TX
Fractures are painful and disruptive to daily life. However, a bone doctor has the expertise to treat them. Orthopedic surgeons ensure that patients receive the best care for their needs at every step of their treatment.
It is best to have expert medical professionals help you recover from a bone fracture. You can depend on the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. You may reach the best orthopedic clinic near you at (210) 692-7400 to schedule a consultation.
We are looking forward to helping you return to your favorite activities!
