All About Fracture Care And Its Types
Fracture care is a crucial aspect since it helps to prevent unwanted complications, and delayed wound healing. Fractures can have debilitating effects on your quality of life due to tissue damage and the risk of internal bleeding.
However, this can be prevented by fracture care Phoenix offered to people of all ages. Treatment aims to repair bone and prevent the injury from worsening.
What do you mean by fracture care?
The immediate medical care given to patients with cracked, or broken bone is known as fracture care.
Fractures most often occur due to accidents or some sort of injury, overuse, or osteoporosis. These could be simple hairline fractures or a completely severed bone breaking through the skin.
Immediate fracture care is crucial since your bones might need help getting back into alignment, remaining stable during the healing process, or fighting off infection.
When is fracture care recommended?
Fracture care would be recommended if you suffer from a traumatic fracture with the following symptoms:
- Excruciating pain
- Swelling and tenderness
- Bruising or skin discoloration
- Crunching sensation under the skin (crepitus)
- Loss of function
- Inability to put weight on the area
- Deformity
- Visible bump or welt
How is the fracture diagnosed?
When you enter emergency care, the doctor will record your history. The time of the accident, the intensity of the trauma, and the symptoms present will be recorded.
Furthermore, your doctor will physically examine you to evaluate the clinical symptoms and assess your reflexes and mobility.
Next, your doctor will order imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. These tests record the cross-sectional images of your joints and bones to determine the severity of the fracture, to develop a personalized treatment plan.
What are the different types of fracture care?
You will be offered several types of fracture care depending on your individual case.
Immobilization
- This holds good for minor fractures.
- The affected part is immobilized using a cast or a splint to restrict movement. This aids in quick healing.
- The cast will be held in place for 3 to 5 weeks.
Closed reduction
- Closed reduction is indicated if you suffer severe fractures which hamper your normal bone alignment.
- This procedure involves manual alignment of your fractured parts under local anesthesia (numbing agent), and sedatives for a pain-free experience.
Fracture surgery
- Severely damaged bones or multiple fractures cannot heal on their own.
- Orthopedic surgery may be necessary in such cases.
- Implantable screws, rods, plates, and pins are used to hold the fractured parts in place to promote healing.
Remember…
If you have pain and swelling after an accident or suspect you have a broken bone, seek immediate medical care to prevent any complications.