FRACTURES

A fracture is a break, usually in a bone. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open or compound fracture. Fractures commonly occur due to high force impact or stress, but they can also be a result of certain medical conditions that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis.

Types of Fractures

• Simple (Closed) Fracture: :
  
  • The bone breaks but there is no open wound in the skin.
• Compound (Open) Fracture::
  • The bone breaks and punctures through the skin.
• Greenstick Fracture: :
  • A partial fracture in which one side of the bone is broken and the other side bends. This type is more common in children.
• Transverse Fracture:
  • The fracture is at a right angle to the bone's axis.
• Oblique Fracture:
  • The fracture has an angled pattern.
• Comminuted Fracture::
  • The fracture has an angled pattern.
• Spiral Fracture: 
  
  • The fracture spirals around the bone, common in twisting injuries
• Oblique Fracture:
  • The bone shatters into three or more pieces.
• Stress Fracture:
  • A small crack in the bone that often develops from chronic overuse.

Causes

• Trauma :
  
  • Such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries
• Osteoporosis:
  
  • A condition that weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures.
• Overuse:
  • Repetitive motions that can fatigue muscles and place more stress on bones.
• Medical Conditions:
  
  • Certain diseases like cancer or osteogenesis imperfecta can weaken bones.

Diagnosis

• Physical Examination:
  
  • A doctor will check the injured area for swelling, deformity, and pain
• X-Rays
  • The most common way to confirm a fracture and assess its severity.
• MRI or CT Scan 
  • Used for more complex fractures to get detailed images of soft tissues and bone structures.

Treatment

• Immobilisation::
  
  • Using casts, splints, or braces to keep the bone in place while it heals.
• Medication:
  
  • Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain and reduce swelling.
• Surgery: 
  • Required for severe fractures that cannot heal properly with just immobilisation. This may involve the use of metal rods, screws, or plates to hold the bone fragments together.
• Physical Therapy:  
  • After the bone heals, physical therapy is often necessary to restore movement, strength, and function.
• Rest and Elevation:  
  • Important to reduce pain and swelling.

Home Care Tips

• Ice Application:
  • Apply ice packs to the injured area for 20-minute intervals to reduce swelling.
• Elevation:
  
  • Keep the injured limb elevated above heart level to reduce swelling.
• Avoid Putting Weight 
  • Avoid putting weight on the injured area until it has healed properly
• Follow-up Appointments:  
  • Attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to ensure proper healing.

Prevention

• Calcium and Vitamin D: 
  
  • Maintain a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to strengthen bones.
• Exercise:
  
  • Regular weight-bearing exercises can help keep bones strong
• Protective Gear: 
  • Use appropriate protective gear when engaging in sports or activities that risk falls and injuries.
• Fall-Proof Home:  
  • Ensure the home environment is safe, especially for the elderly, by removing tripping hazards and installing grab bars in bathrooms.

When to Seek Medical Help

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