Every year, millions of people in the United States and worldwide suffer from fractures, making them an extremely common type of injury. Fractures can vary widely, not only in the bones they affect, but in the way they occur and their severity.
Thomas E. Powell, MD, and his team offer the most advanced fracture treatments for patients at Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. In this post, they review five common types of fractures to help you understand why they happen and how tailored treatment can help you heal quickly and completely.
A stable fracture refers to a break where the ends of the broken bones remain aligned with each other. Although treatment and healing tend to be simpler and faster compared to some other types of fractures, prompt treatment is necessary to prevent more serious complications.
Stable fractures tend to be associated with localized pain over the site of the break, along with swelling, bruising, and difficulty supporting any type of weight. Treatment often involves immobilizing the area with a cast or a splint to retain proper alignment during healing. In most cases, surgery isn’t necessary, and healing takes place within a few weeks with proper care.
Sometimes called a bone “crack,” a partial fracture happens when the break doesn’t go all the way through the bone. These fractures are more common among children whose bones are more flexible, but they can also happen to adults, including seniors.
Like stable fractures, partial fractures typically cause localized pain, tenderness, and swelling, with symptoms worsening when weight or stress is placed on the bone. Treatment is also similar, usually involving immobilization and activity restrictions to give the bone a chance to “knit” and heal.
In a comminuted fracture, the bone breaks into several pieces. This type of fracture is usually associated with high-impact trauma, like a car accident or another severe impact. Because the bone is in several pieces, treatment and healing can take more time and involve more complex treatment.
Comminuted fractures are associated with significant pain, swelling, and bruising. Depending on the extent of the fracture, blood vessels and nerves may be involved. The limb may look deformed, as well.
Because the bone is broken into multiple pieces, most comminuted fractures require surgery to reconstruct and stabilize the area using pins, plates, or other hardware. Recovery typically takes longer, and most patients undergo a period of physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion.
As the name implies, spiral fractures are fractures that wrap around the bone in more or less a spiral or twisted pattern. This type of break typically happens when the limb is forcefully twisted, like during a sports injury or a fall.
Spiral fractures tend to cause sharp pain, swelling, and problems with limb movement. These fractures can sometimes be unstable, meaning they can worsen and become more complicated to treat when care is delayed. Casting may be sufficient if the ends of the bone are aligned, but often, these fractures require surgery to stabilize the area and maintain bone position during healing.
Also called a compound fracture, an open fracture is a break that pierces your skin, which often means the ends of the bones are visible. Because the skin is punctured, these fractures tend to carry a much greater risk of infection.
Open fractures are associated with considerable bleeding, intense pain, and swelling. These fractures require immediate, emergency care to clean the wound and take immediate steps to prevent infection. Open fractures require surgery to stabilize the area and help the bone heal properly.
Fractures are serious injuries, and without prompt, appropriate treatment, they can lead to long-term or even permanent disability.
If you think you have a fracture or if you want to learn how we can optimize your fracture treatment plan, request an appointment online or over the phone with Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, today.
