A fracture is a medical term used to describe a broken bone. It occurs when there is a loss of continuity of the bone structure, which can happen due to various reasons such as trauma, falls, excessive force, or underlying medical conditions that weaken the bones.
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Fractures
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Common Sites Of Fractures
Fractures can occur in various bones throughout the body, but some sites are more commonly affected due to the way people move, engage in activities, and the specific anatomy of those regions. Here are some common sites of fractures include Wrist fractures, Ankle fractures, Collarbone fractures, Upper Arm fractures, Hip fractures, Finger and Toe fractures, Shinbone, Forearm fractures, Ribs fractures, Spine Fracture, Pelvic Fracture, Collapsed Bones. Fractures can occur to people of all ages.
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Most Common Types of Fractures
Common types of fractures include:
- Closed Fracture: The bone breaks but does not penetrate the skin.
- Open Fracture: The broken bone protrudes through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
- Comminuted Fracture: The bone is broken into several fragments or pieces.
- Hairline Fracture: A small crack in the bone, often difficult to detect on X-rays.
- Transverse Fracture: The fracture line runs horizontally across the bone.
- Oblique Fracture: The fracture line runs diagonally across the bone.
- Spiral Fracture: The fracture line spirals around the bone, usually resulting from twisting injuries.
Treatment of Fractures
The treatment of fractures depends on several factors, including the type, location, severity of the fracture, as well as the age and overall health of the patient. The primary goals of fracture treatment are to realign and stabilize the broken bone, promote proper healing, and restore function to the affected area. For many fractures, immobilization is essential to prevent further movement of the broken bone, allowing it to heal properly. Moreover, the goal of medication is to manage pain and inflammation associated with the fracture.
Risk Of Fractures
Fractures pose significant risks to individuals’ health and well-being, warranting careful consideration and preventive measures. The occurrence of fractures is influenced by a variety of factors, including age, gender, underlying medical conditions, lifestyle choices, and accidents. Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones, increases the susceptibility to fractures, especially in the elderly population. Additionally, individuals engaged in high-impact sports or physically demanding occupations may face an elevated risk of fractures due to repetitive stress on bones
Fracture Diagnosis and Care
Fracture diagnosis and care involve a comprehensive approach to accurately identify the fracture, determine its severity, and provide appropriate treatment for optimal healing and recovery. The process typically includes the following steps
- Medical Evaluation
- Imaging Studies
- Classification and Severity
- Immobilization
- Reduction
- Surgery
- Pain Management
- Rehabilitation
- Follow-up Care
- Prevention
Additional Resources
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
First Health
Healthspring
Humana
