What is a Fracture?
A fracture is a partial or complete break in a bone. Fractures can range from a small, hairline crack to a severe break that shatters the bone into multiple pieces. They can be "closed" (where the skin is intact) or "open" (where the bone has punctured the skin).
Common Causes
Fractures are typically caused by trauma that puts more force on the bone than it can withstand. Common causes include:
- Traumatic Injury: Falls, motor vehicle accidents, and direct blows are common causes of fractures.
- Sports Injuries: The high impact and repetitive stress of sports can lead to fractures.
- Osteoporosis: This condition weakens bones, making them brittle and highly susceptible to breaking from even minor falls or stresses.
- Overuse: Repetitive motion can tire muscles and place more force on the bone, causing stress fractures, which are common in athletes.
Symptoms of a Fracture
The signs and symptoms of a fracture can be obvious, but sometimes they are more subtle. They include:
- Severe pain, which typically worsens with movement or pressure.
- Swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the injury.
- Deformity, such as a limb or joint appearing out of place.
- Inability to put weight on the injured area or use the limb.
- In an open fracture, bone protruding through the skin.
Our Treatment Approach
The goal of fracture treatment is to realign the broken bone pieces and immobilize them so they can heal in the correct position. Dr. Behrens is an expert in orthopaedic trauma and will determine the best treatment based on the location and severity of your break.
Non-Surgical Treatments
For many fractures where the bone pieces are stable and well-aligned, non-surgical treatment is all that is needed. This involves immobilization using:
- Cast or Splint: This holds the bone in place while it heals.
- Functional Brace: This allows for limited, controlled movement of nearby joints.
Surgical Treatments
For more complex fractures that are unstable, displaced (out of alignment), or involve a joint, surgery is often required to realign and fix the bones. This is called "internal fixation."
- Rods, Plates, and Screws: Dr. Behrens uses state-of-the-art orthopaedic implants (rods, plates, and screws) to hold the bone fragments together in their proper position while they heal.
- External Fixation: In severe cases, a rigid external frame may be attached to the bone with pins to hold it stable.