Surely, many of us would have had fractures in the past, so you would know every fracture is different and the treatment to every fracture also varies.

What is a Fracture?

A Fracture occurs because of falls, a car accident or sports joints. Fracture is nothing but a break in the bone; it can also happen due to osteoporosis or low bone density.

Types of fracture:

There are different types of fracture which include:

• Avulsion fracture: In this, the ligament or muscle pulls on the bone, causing the fracture
• Comminuted fracture: In this, the bones are shattered into pieces
• Compression, or crush, fracture: This type of fracture is seen in spongy bone (spine).
• Fracture dislocation: This fracture occurs due to dislocation
• Greenstick fracture: In this, the bone does not break entirely but fractures on one side
• Hairline fracture: This fracture is a partial and thin fracture of the bone
• Impacted fracture:
• In this one, bone fractures and impacts another bone
• Intra-articular fracture: In this, the fracture extends to the surface of joints
• Longitudinal fracture: The fracture, in this case, extends to the length of the bone
• Oblique fracture: This type of fracture happens opposite to bines long axis
• Pathological fracture: In this, a medical condition causes weakening of bone, and fracture occurs
• Spiral fracture: In this type of fracture, one part of the bone twist during the break
• Stress fracture: Consistent stain and stress causes fracture of bone it mainly occurs in athletes
• Transverse fracture: This type of fracture is straight, and break occur across the bone

Is a cast not enough for fracture?

Essential fracture management is quite common in most cases. The patient is examined, and an x-ray is taken to know the severity of the case, then the treatment starts. It mainly consists of immobilizing the broken bone with the help of fibreglass or plaster of Paris, which allows limited movement. after the bone is immobilized, it heals on its own. However, if the case is severe other methods like surgery are used to accelerate the healing process as a cast may not be enough alone.

In some cases, interventions like traction is needed; in this, the bones are pulled back to their place with the help of a pulley or weight.

In some instances (open fracture, extreme instability in bone, comminuted fracture), surgery is recommended. The surgical procedure used mainly are

Internal fixation: It involves using rods, screw plates to hold the tibia together

External fixation: This adds extra stability screw or pin is connected to a metal bar outside leg.

Remember these dos and don�ts during fracture

• Elevate the broken bone above your heart. The cast is used to mobilize the movement of the bone. in case if the leg or arm swell it can cause pain and the caste need to be replaced in that case
• Don�t put extra pressure on the broken bone
• Exercise but under doctor guidance, little mobility will help the circulation and will enhance healing
• Pay attention to the odour of the cast; if it smells rotten or funky, book an appointment with the doctor because there are chances of infection
• Do pay attention to odour. If your cast smells funky, rotten or mouldy, make an appointment with your provider.
• Pay attention to your comfort; for, if you experience pain, paralysis, or a stinging tingling sensation, never ignore it. these experiences are not a sign of healing; connect with your doctor.

When To Visit a Specialist?

Once the examination of your effected bone is done, the physician can guide you whether you should visit a fracture specialist or not.