Fractures are conditions when a bone is broken so its position or shape changes. Fractures can occur if the bone receives pressure or impact that strength is greater than the strength of the bone.
Fractures can occur in any part of the body, but are more common in the bones of the legs, hands, hips, ribs and collarbones. Although generally caused by strong impacts, fractures can also occur due to minor impacts if the bone has been damaged, for example due to osteoporosis.
Read also:
Choice of Medications for Osteoporosis
Bone Fracture Types
Based on the condition, fractures can be divided into several types, namely:
#1. Closed fractures
Closed fractures are a type of fracture in which broken bones do not tear the skin.
#2. Open fractures
Open fractures are the opposite of closed fractures, that is, when the tip of the bone is broken to tear the skin, so that the tissue under the skin and broken bones become visible.
#3. Incomplete fractures
Incomplete fracture is a bone condition that is not completely broken or not until it divides the bone into 2 or more parts, but only cracks. Incomplete fractures are divided into the following types:
- Hairline fracture or stress fracture, which is when the bone has a thin crack
- Greenstick fracture, which is when one side of the bone is cracked and bent
- Buckle or torus fracture, that is, when the broken bone does not separate the two sides of the bone, in this condition the side of the fractured bone will protrude.
#4. Complete fracture
A complete fracture is a condition of broken bones into two or more parts. Complete fractures are further divided into:
- Single fracture, which is when the bone in one part of the body is broken into two parts
- Comminuted fracture, i.e. when a bone is broken or crushed into three or more parts
- Compression fracture, which is when the bone is break or crushed by pressure
- Displaced fracture, which is when the bone is crushed to pieces and out of its original place
- Nondisplaced fracture, i.e. when the bone is crushed to pieces but not out of its original place
- Segmental fracture, which is when the bones are broken into two parts that are not related to each other, so there is a part of the bone that looks floating.
Bone Fracture Symptoms
Symptoms of fractures can be characterized as follows:
- Swelling. Unless a fracture occurs deep inside, such as in the collarbone or femur.
- Bone change. There can be the formation of new bone angles, bones undergoing rotation, or bone shortening.
- Severe pain in the fracture area.
Bone fracture treatment
If you have a broken bone, an orthopedic specialist will help you heal it. They will try to restore the condition of the broken bone to its original position as well as avoid shifting bones before the condition recovers.
Before treatment, the doctor will usually ask chronologically the events, medical history, and symptoms that appear. After that, a bone examination will be performed with the help of X-rays.
#1. Installing a Cast
This is the most common method used to deal with bone fractures. The doctor will make the bone in parallel condition, then newly fitted a cast until the injury heals completely.
#2. Wear A Sling or Bandage
This method is used when fractures occur in areas that are difficult to reach by casts.
#3. Surgery
When broken bones become several parts, this method is the most appropriate to do. The doctor will connect the bones by installing a special pen or plate.
Healing a broken bone takes a short time, depending on the severity and compliance you have in undergoing all doctor’s instructions. During the healing process, the muscles still need to be trained so as not to weaken in a certain way of exercise. Not only that, the exercise will also be able to make the joints more flexible.
