Billions of people around the world suffer from bone fractures, every year. While this typically occurs accidentally, due to high impact on the bone, there are many instances where a fracture occurs due to a form of arthritis, which may weaken the bone and make it more susceptible to injury. Though fractures are incredibly common and can often be treated, with the bone restored to normal after treatment, rest, and rehabilitation, awareness about the bone fracture, or broken bone as it is also called, is necessary in order to seek timely medical intervention.

What is a bone fracture?

A bone fracture is essential a crack or breaks in the bone, caused by an external force. In some cases, the outside force is so high impact that the bone is unable to withstand it, and in other cases, the bone may have undergone wear and tear due to arthritis, making it fragile and incredibly susceptible to the slightest of force. A simple or closed fracture is much easier to treat, as compared to a compound or open fracture, which has a chance of being infected.

What are the types of bone fracture?

There are various types of fractures, depending on the location and damage done to the bone and joint.

Avulsion
A fragment or small part of the bone is pulled off by muscles or ligament

Comminuted
The bone is split into several fragments

Compression
The bone gets crushed and becomes flat

Fracture Dislocation
As a joint becomes dislocated, the bone develops a fracture

Hairline
The bone is partially fractured

Impacted
Bones are driven together by impact

Oblique
A diagonal break is created across the bone

Pathological
An underlying disease weakens the bone, causing a fracture

Spiral
A break is created around the bone in spirals

Stress
The bone eventually gets fractured due to repeated strain

Transverse
A straight break is created outside the bone

What are the treatments for bone fracture?

The bone must be immobilized for any type of fracture to heal, whether partial or complete. Various measures to protect and support the joint are conducted, depending on the type and severity of the fracture.

Cast
Braces and casts made of plaster are placed to hold the bone in position and protect it until it heals.

Metal plates and screws
In case more support is needed, plates and screws can hold the bone in place until it completely heals.

Intra-medullary rods
Metal rods are placed in the center of the bones.

External fixators
External fixators are made of carbon, with steel pins that go directly into the bone and hold it in place.

It is essential to know about bone fractures, in order to get the medical aid needed in time. If you or someone you know is afflicted with a bone fracture, visit Dr. Santosh Shetty is a world-renowned Orthopedic Surgeon, with years of experience in diagnosing and treating bone fractures. By offering a thorough diagnosis and treatment, patients are assured of care of the highest standard of excellence, under one roof.