Bone Fractures
Bone Fractures:
Bone fractures are the cases where the bone is broken into 2 or more pieces. Most common reason is physical trauma, and elder patients might also have fractures due to osteoporosis. Young patients heal faster and easier, however it can be very dangerous for elder patients. If not treated on time, an elder patient might loose his/her life due to a simple fracture.
There are two types of bone fractures:
- Closed Fractures: Cases where broken bone stays inside the skin.
- Compound Fractures: Cases where broken bone tears the skin and gets outside. Has infection risk.
Treatment of Bone Fractures:
After physical examination the doctor can complete the diagnosis with X Ray and/or MRI files. Treatment varies depending on the age of the patient and the location of the fracture. For an example, a fractured hip in an old patient generally requires surgical intervention instead of methods involving plaster casts. Some common treatment methods are:
- Bandaging: In basic fractures and crack expected to heal very fast.
- Bracing: A first aid method that stabilizes the fractured bone.
- Plastering: Used closed fractures to stabilize the pieces and and protect the fracture from external factors. Time in plaster varies from 30 to 70 days depending on the case.
- Surgical Intervention: Usually chosen in serious open fractures and emergencies, the surgeon repairs the bone with damaging the tissues minimally.
Symptoms of Bone Fractures:
- Pain in the traumatized area
- Swelling
- Bruises due to bleeding under the skin
- Shape deformities in the area
