Types of Bone Fractures: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Bone Fracture?

A fracture is a medical term for a ‘broken bone’. It is a medical condition distinguished by a partial or complete break in the continuity of the bone.

Most human bones are strong and can generally withstand strong impact or forces.

However, bones break when the pressure or force applied to them is more than what they can normally withstand or if there is something wrong with them.

Bones are the skeleton of the body that allows us to interact with our surroundings. They act as attachment points for muscles that allow running, jumping, sitting, kneeling, grasping, and lifting.

As we age the bones become breakable and the force they can handle or withstand reduces. This increases the risk of fracture, immediate medical care is needed after a bone is fractured.

As serious fractures can have severe complications if not treated right away. Complications include damage to the blood vessels and infections of the bone or surrounding tissue.

Types of Fractures:

1. Transverse fracture 

In a transverse fracture, the fracture line is almost perpendicular to the long axis of the bone.

Such a fracture is caused by bending force resulting from the direct blow by a moving object or by the bone striking a resistance object.

Transverse fracture

 

2. Oblique fracture

As the name suggests in an oblique fracture. The fracture line is oblique and makes an acute angle with the long axis of the bone.

Such a fracture is caused by bending force which in addition has a component along the long axis of the bone.

oblique fracture

 

3. Spiral fracture

In a spiral fracture, the fracture line runs spirally in more than one plane.

Such a fractured is caused by an indirect rotational or twisting force with increasing energy transfer the spiral fractures may have butterfly fragments.

Spiral fracture

 

4. Segmental fracture

In a segmental fracture there are two fractures in one bone but at different levels leading to a free segment in between.

Segmental fracture

 

5. Impacted fracture

A fracture where one fragment of bone goes into another. Bone fragments are driven into each other.

Impacted fracture

 

6. Aulsion fracture

A fracture where a fragment of bone is separated or pulled off by a ligament or tendon.

Avulsion fracture

 

7. Complete fracture

A fracture in which the bone breaks completely.

Types of complete fracture are:

1. Comminuted fracture

Bone fragments break into three or more pieces.

Comminuted fracture

 

2. Single fracture

Bone fragments break in one place into two pieces.

 

3. Non-Displaced fracture

Bone fragments break into pieces and stay in their normal alignment.

Non-Displaced fracture

 

4. Displaced fracture

Bone fragment breaks into pieces that shift off their normal alignment.

Displaced fracture

 

5. Incomplete fracture

The bone doesn’t break completely. Incomplete fractures are more common in children. Whose bones are softer and more elastic.

Incomplete fracture

 

Types of incomplete fractures are:

1. Greenstick fracture

The bone partly fractures on one side while the rest of the bone is bent.

Greenstick fracture

 

3. Hairline fracture

A partial fracture of the bone usually in a thin crack.

Hairline fracture

 

4. Torus (buckle) fracture

The bone is broken on one side and a bump or raised buckle grows on the other side.

Torus (buckle) fracture

 

Types of fracture Displacement:

The fracture displacement is described in terms of change in length, angulation, rotation, and translation.

Change in Length

Let’s see how a displaced fracture cause’s change in the limb length. Apposition is the amount of end-to-end contact of the fracture fragments.

 

Displacement fracture (Apposition)Displacement fracture (Bayonet apposition)Displacement fracture (Bayonet apposition VS Bayonet rifle) (1)

 

Bayonet apposition means overlap of the fracture fragments in the longitudinal axis here the bone ends have no contact and have slipped past each other the fracture is called “off-ended”. This results in a shortening of the limb length.

The bayonet apposition gets its name from the bayonet rifle.

Excessive traction may result in the opposite deformity leading to distraction

Displacement fracture in excessive traction

 

Angulation

Angulation is described by the reference to the apex of the fracture in the coronal plane a fracture with displacement of the distal fragments towards the midline with its apex pointing laterally is said to be in Varus.

Displacement fracture Angulation (Varus)

 

A fracture with its displacement of the distal fragment away from the midline with the apex pointing towards the midline is said to be in Valgus.

Displacement fracture Angulation (Valgus)

 

Sagittal Plane

In the sagittal plane, a fracture with its apex pointing posteriorly is said to have posterior angulation or to line extension.

Sagittal Plane

 

Finally, where the apex points anteriorly the fracture has anterior angulation or lies inflection.

Rotation

A fracture may be rotated internally or externally. This is judged by the appearance of the two bone ends and the position of the distal part of the limb clinically.

Displacement fracture Rotation

 

Translation

Translation occurs when the fracture surfaces have shifted sideways relative to each other depending on the position of the distal fragment.

A fracture may be translated medially, laterally, anteriorly, posteriorly, or even a combination of these.

 

Displacement fracture Translation

 

Relationship with External Environment:

On the basis of relationship with the external environment. Fractures can be classified as either closed or open.

Closed fracture

A closed fracture is a fracture not communicating with the external environment that is the overlying skin and soft tissues are intact.

Closed fracture

 

Open fracture

Whereas a fracture with a break in the overlying skin and the soft tissues leading to the fracture communicating with the external environment is called an open fracture.

Open fracture

With an open fracture, there is a high risk of infection.

Etiology of fracture:

1. Traumatic fracture

Traumatic fracture is a fracture of a bone following direct or indirect violence.

A normal healthy bone breaks only when it is subjected to excessive force.

Hence, these fractures are caused by the action of an abnormal excessive force on a normal healthy bone.

Examples of traumatic fractures include fractures caused by a fall, road traffic accident, fight, etc.

 

2. Pathological fracture

This type is a result of an underlying condition or disease that has already weakened the bone. Such as cancer or osteoporosis.

 

3. Stress fracture

Stress or fatigue fracture results from the cyclical application of the normal forces in excessive frequency to the normal bone of a healthy patient leading to a break in bony trabeculae.

The classic examples include second metatarsal fractures of army recruits popularly known as the March fracture.Stress fracture

The fracture of the navicular bone in athletes. Stress fractures are typically seen in military personals, athletes, or dancers. When the intensity of the exercise is significantly increased from the baseline.

Stress fracture

 

Quantum of force:

 

On the basis of the quantum of force causing the fracture. The fractures can be classified into high and low-velocity injuries.

A high-velocity injury is caused by severe trauma force as in a road traffic accident. These fractures are associated with severe soft tissue injury with extensive devascularisation of the fracture ends.

These are usually more complex fractures and difficult to treat. Such fractures are often unstable and slow to heal.

The low-velocity injuries are caused by mild trauma force as in a fall. There is little associated soft tissue injury.

 

Symptoms:

 

  • Intense pain in the sight of the injury.
  • Swelling, bruising, and redness in the injured area.
  • Deformity in the injured area.
  • Difficulty moving or supporting the weight with the affected area.

 

Causes of Fractures:

 

  • Falls, direct blows, or strikes to the body.
  • Injuries from sports osteoporosis repetitive forces caused by running, automobile accidents.
  • Risk factors may include being old, smoking, alcoholism, and use of corticosteroids being physically inactive.

Diagnosis:

 

The doctor will ask about symptoms. Examine the injury and look for other injuries that may have occurred.

The American Academy of orthopaedic surgeons provides that x-rays are the most common method of diagnosing a fracture.

They help in visualizing the bone and revealing breaks and other signs of damage as well as in determining the location and type of the fracture.

In cases where x-ray alone is insufficient CT scan or MRI may be used.

 

Treatment:

 

Treatment options depend on the type and location of the fracture.

The first goal of treatment is to try to put the broken pieces back into their proper position and stabilize them as they heal.

Pieces of broken bones should be kept immobile until they are together.

A cast may be used to stabilize the broken bone. The cast may be made of fiber or glass and it will help stabilizer the injured area and keep broken pieces compact until they heal.

Complex injuries may require surgery.

Conclusion:

 

This was all about types of fractures and their mechanisms.

So, if you have gained knowledge from this article, so please share this article and spread the knowledge with your friends and family.

Or maybe if I didn’t mention the fracture type which you wanted to read.

Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.

 

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Causes of Ankle Fracture

The most common bone and joint injuries are ankle injuries. How you should be careful about your ankle injury is depending upon the degree of pain, inability to walk and if the bone is broken or not. Most of the time, the doctor also has the same concern, is there a broken bone? Because diagnosing sprain, dislocation or tendon injury is much easier than diagnosing a fracture.

Let’s see what the main causes of an ankle fracture are. But before that, we need to know the structure of the ankle joint. It is made up of 3 bones coming together.

The tibia- It is the main bone of the lower leg, makes up the inside of the ankle joint.

The fibula- It is a smaller bone that parallels the tibia in the lower leg. It makes up the outside of the ankle joint.

The talus- Both the tibia and fibula are known as the singular is malleolus. Together they form an arch that sits on top of the talus.

These 3 bones- the tibia, fibula, and talus make up the bony elements of the ankle joint. It is stabilized by several ligaments that hold these bones in place.

Ankle Fracture Causes

Stress is the most common cause of an ankle fracture. If you stress an ankle joint beyond strength, you injure the joint. If there is only wear and tear on the ligaments then you have sprained the ankle. In case of breaking bones, you have an ankle fracture. It can occur with simultaneous tears of the ligaments. These are the reasons for ankle fracture:

  • Twisting the ankle side to side
  • Rolling the ankle in or out
  • A strong force applied to the joint by coming straight down on it as in jumping from a high level
  • Flexing or extending the joint

This is the general information about the causes of Ankle Fracture. We recommend you to take your doctor’s advice for proper guidance. We hope this information adds value to your knowledge. Watch out this space for more such information. Greetings for SYS Medtech International PVT. LTD.

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Types of tibia fracture

The long bone located in the lower leg between the knee and foot is known as the shinbone or tibia. Tibia fractures are usually caused by an injury or repetitive strain on the bone and it’s very common. The severity and type of fracture may vary, depending on the cause of the broken bone. Fractures that occur at the upper part of the tibia are called proximal fractures and fractures that occur below this area known as tibia shaft fractures. Apart from this, the following are the major types of tibia fractures-

  • Spiral fracture- A spiral-shaped fracture occurs when a twisting movement causes a break.
  • Displaced fracture- When a crack in the bone moves part of the bone so that it is no longer aligned, a displaced fracture occurs. Surgery is often needed to correct this type of fracture for realigning the bones back together.
  • Stable fracture- It involves a crack in the bone that leaves most of the bone intact and in its normal position. During the healing process, the broken parts of the tibia line up and maintain their correct position. This is also known as a non-displaced fracture.
  • Stress fracture- Stress fractures commonly known as hairline fractures are overuse injuries. These fractures are small as there are just thin cracks in the bone.
  • Comminuted fracture – When the bone fractures into three or more pieces, this is called a comminuted fracture.

When bones are broken, they can either stay under the skin or break through its surface. When a broken bone breaks through the skin, it is known as open fractures. With closed fractures, the bone does not break the skin, still, there may still be internal tissue damage.

This is the general information about Tibia Fracture. We recommend you to take your doctor’s advice for proper guidance. We hope this information adds value to your knowledge. Watch out this space for more such information. Greetings for SYS Medtech International PVT. LTD.

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Femur fracture- Symptoms and causes

The bone located in the human thigh is known as the femur bone. It is the longest bone, extending from the hip to the knee. Also, it is the strongest bone in the human body. When the femur bone breaks, it takes a long time to heal. Breaking this bone can make everyday tasks much more difficult because it’s one of the main bones responsible for walking.

Symptoms of a broken femur

  • Immediate, severe pain
  • The injured leg appears to be shorter than the unbroken leg
  • Not able to put weight on the injured leg
  • The injured leg appears to be crooked

Causes of femur fracture

A femur fracture is very rare as it is a very large and strong bone. A broken femur is usually caused by a severe accident such as vehicle accidents. A break in this bone can only result from a large amount of force such as a fall from an extreme height. This fracture can take three to six months to heal.

Older adults have weaker bones. Thus they have the tendency of having a femur fracture. It may be called a hip fracture instead of a femur fracture, depending on how close the break to the hip.

A broken femur can have a major effect on your life, but not permanent. In most cases of broken femurs, patients return to a normal lifestyle. Surgeries become effective and people are typically able to completely heal from a broken femur.

This is the general information about Femur Fracture. We recommend you to take your doctor’s advice for proper guidance. We hope this information adds value to your knowledge. Watch out this space for more such information. Greetings for SYS Medtech International PVT. LTD.

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Types of Shoulder Fractures

The scapula (shoulder blade), clavicle (collarbone) and humerus (upper arm bone) are three bones involved in shoulder fractures. All three types of shoulder fractures can cause shoulder pain, swelling and tenderness. Also, it limits the shoulder’s range of motion. Let’s see these three major types of shoulder fractures and how it affects the human body.

Scapula Fracture

A flat triangular bone located in the upper back is known as the scapula. The scapula provides the primary connections between the arm and the chest. Scapula fractures are rare which approximately less than 1% of all fractures are. A scapular fracture may result from a contact sport like football and cricket or a traumatic event such as a car or bike accident.

Clavicle Fracture

The clavicle, commonly known as collarbone is a long and thin bone that begins at the base of the neck and extends out to the shoulder. This fracture can happen at any age, from new-borns to the elderly. Normally, this fracture occurs because of a fall, direct hit or a motor vehicle accident. Common symptoms are bruising, swelling, and pain over the clavicle region.

Proximal Humerus Fracture

The humerus is that long bone between the elbow and the shoulder. A fracture to the top of the humerus bone is called a proximal humerus fracture. The ball that rests in the shoulder’s socket is often referred to as the humeral head. A proximal humerus fracture is very common and it can occur at any age. It can often be treated without surgery. Whether the patient needs the surgery is depending on various factors like the amount of displacement, the involvement of the cartilage in the joint, the age and activity level of the patient.

This is the general information about Shoulder Fracture. We recommend you to take your doctor’s advice for proper guidance. We hope this information adds value to your knowledge. Watch out this space for more such information. Greetings for SYS Medtech International PVT. LTD.

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Symptoms of Wrist Fracture

Breaking one or more bones of the wrist can cause a wrist fracture. A broken wrist occurs when people try to catch themselves during a fall and land hard on an outstretched hand. If you participate in sports like cricket or kabaddi, you may be at higher risk of a broken wrist. Also, if you have a condition in which bones such as osteoporosis where bones become thinner and more fragile, the chances of wrist fracture are high.

For bones to heal in proper alignment, it’s important to treat a broken wrist as soon as possible.  The delay in this might affect your ability to do everyday activities, such as writing, buttoning a shirt or knotting shoelaces. Also, early treatment helps in minimizing pain and stiffness. Thus one has to know the primary symptoms of wrist fracture so that the person can rush to the doctor.

Following are the symptoms of the broken wrist

  • Swelling
  • Severe pain while gripping or squeezing or moving hand or wrist
  • Bruising
  • Tenderness
  • Obvious deformity, such as a bent wrist

When to call a doctor

Looking at these symptoms, if you think you might have a broken wrist see a doctor immediately. If you’re having numbness, swelling or trouble moving your fingers you should rush to the doctor. A delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to poor healing, restricts the motion and decreased grip strength.

This is the general information about Wrist Fracture. We recommend you to take your doctor’s advice for proper guidance. We hope this information adds value to your knowledge. Watch out this space for more such information. Greetings for SYS Medtech International PVT. LTD.

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Life after Arthroscopy

In the previous blogs, we’ve got information about arthroscopy, how it is diagnosed and why it is necessary. Now let’s discuss life after arthroscopy. Including the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip and waist, these are six joints that are most frequently examined with the arthroscope. But we can use this instrument for all types of joints. Orthopaedic surgeons develop new techniques, as engineers make advances in electronic technology. So that other joints may be treated more frequently in the future.

Recovery after Arthroscopy

The small wounds take several days to heal. The adhesive strips can be applied to cover the small healing incision and operative dressing can usually be removed the morning after surgery.

It takes several weeks for the joint to maximally recover, though the puncture wounds are small and pain in the joint that underwent arthroscopy is minimal. A specific activity and rehabilitation program may be suggested to speed up the recovery. Also, it helps to protect future joint function.

It is usual for patients to go back to work or resume daily activities within a few days. Athletes and others who are in good physical condition may in some cases return to their athletic activities within a few weeks.

The doctor has recommended Arthroscopy to determine the cause of the knee pain and possibly to correct it. As a patient won’t require overnight nursing care after the arthroscopy, a same-day surgical facility or an outpatient unit at the local hospital is the ideal environment for the doctor to perform this procedure.

These facilities provide quality care without the inconvenience and expenses of an overnight stay. Following arthroscopy, a patient will recover comfortably in his/her own home, in the company of family and friends.

This is the general information about life after arthroscopy. We recommend you to take your doctor’s advice for proper guidance. We hope this information adds value to your knowledge. Watch out this space for more such information. Greetings for SYS Medtech International PVT. LTD.

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Fundamentals of Knee Arthroscopy

Knee injuries mostly diagnosed and treated by knee arthroscopy. It is a minor surgical procedure done by using an instrument called an arthroscope. Joints such as the shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip and wrist can be viewed using this instrument but the knee is the joint most often viewed and operated on.

Causes of knee pain

Injuries, excessive wear and tear, weakness or aging can damage your knees and cause pain and discomfort.

Benefits of knee arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is primarily used for confirming treatment for knee problems like meniscus tears and cartilage wear and in diagnosing the join condition. It can ultimately provide relief from knee pain and improve mobility. The key benefit of this procedure is maintaining a normal and active lifestyle with greater comfort.

Risks of knee arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a safe procedure for the treatment of knee injuries. But, there are some risks that patients should be aware of. These risks may include infection, or continuing knee problems, bleeding, swelling and stiffness of the joint, blood clots depending on the patient and joint condition.

The recovery period after knee arthroscopy

Depends on the patient and his or her condition, the recovery period after knee arthroscopy surgery varies. In most cases, patients can return to office work within a week and many of them return to a more active and normal lifestyle within one to two months.

This is the general information about Knee Arthroscopy. We recommend you to visit a doctor for proper guidance. We hope this information adds value to your knowledge. Watch out this space for more such information. Greetings for SYS Medtech International PVT. LTD.

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Types of Arthroscopy

We got the basic information about arthroscopy in the previous blog. Earlier arthroscopy is widely used for athletes as they face several injuries. But today, arthroscopy is used to treat non-athletes as well. Almost 80% of orthopaedic surgeons practice arthroscopy on their patients. They find arthroscopy valuable because it is generally easier than open surgery and recovers quickly. Here are some of the most common knee, shoulder and ankle problems that may benefit from arthroscopic surgery-

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Here are some of the most common problems that can be treated with arthroscopic shoulder surgery include:

  •       Restricted Motion (Impingement syndrome) from a bone spur called the acromion
  •       Ligament Tear
  •       Inflamed tissue above the shoulder joint
  •       Torn cartilage lining the shoulder joint (labrum), which leads to shoulder instability
  •       A labrum tear on the lower part of the shoulder joint
  •       A tear affecting the labrum and a ligament on the top of the shoulder joint
  •       Biceps tendon tears
  •       Inflammation in the lining of the joint
  •       Arthritis of the collarbone (clavicle)

The surgeon may bring the edges of a torn tendon together, then attach the tendon to the bone with sutures or metal or plastic rivets which depend on the injury. Surgery may also require inflamed tissue or cutting a ligament or cleaning out or removing the damage. Most patients go home the same day and take a few weeks to a few months to heal and recovery time varies according to patients. The patient may need to apply ice, take pain medication, and wear a sling while rehabilitating the shoulder. The orthopaedic surgeon may recommend physical therapy to help strengthen the shoulder joint and restore range of motion.

Knee Arthroscopy

It is one of the most common knee surgeries orthopaedists perform. Frequently seen arthroscopic repairs to the knee include:

  •       Fractures
  •       Torn anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL or PCL) 
  •       Dislocated of knee cap (patella)
  •       Torn meniscus (the cartilage between the bones in the knee)

Using arthroscopy, the surgeon will repair these issues with surgical techniques like suturing, repositioning bones, or inserting pins or rivets. Arthroscopy can be used to extract tissue or bone that may be impinging on your movement or causing pain and sometimes removal of tissue may also be necessary.

Ankle Arthroscopy

This surgery can be very effective in repairing and treating problems in the ankle. Frequently performed arthroscopic repairs to the ankle include:

  • Ankle fusion for end-stage arthritis
  • Fracture repair and proper bone and cartilage alignment after a break
  • Tightening of ligaments to treat ankle instability
  • Treatment of osteochondral defects (OCDs) caused by fractures or sprains

Depending on the ankle injury or problem, an orthopaedist may need to wash out the joint or shave away excess bone or remove tissue. Sometimes, ankle fractures may require a combination of arthroscopic and open surgery. Most patients go the same day and full recovery of the ankle joint may take a few weeks to a few months. If the injury cannot bear weight, a patient may need to use crutches while healing. Also, a brace or walking boot may be necessary in some cases. Doctors may recommend physical therapy.

This is the general information about Types of Arthroscopy. We recommend you to visit a doctor for proper guidance. We hope this information adds value to your knowledge. Watch out this space for more such information. Greetings for SYS Medtech International PVT. LTD.

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What Is Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure doctor which is a subspecialty of orthopaedic surgery. It is used to look at, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. The doctor may recommend it if there is inflammation in a joint, have injured a joint, or have damaged a joint over time. One can have an arthroscopy on any joint but mostly it’s done on the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip, or wrist.

What happens during the Arthroscopy?

The doctor will perform arthroscopic surgery in an outpatient operating room or a hospital which allows the patient to go home the same day. The type of anesthesia depends on the joint and what your surgeon suspects are the problem. It can be general anesthesia where a patient will be asleep during surgery, or the doctor will give it through the spine. There is a possibility that they might also numb the area they are doing the surgery on.

The doctor will insert special tiny instruments through a small cut which is the size of a buttonhole. Also, they’ll use a tool called an arthroscope that has a camera lens and a light. By doing this, they are able to see inside the joint. They can see an image of the joint onto a screen that the camera projects.

Then they’ll look inside the joint, diagnose the problem, and decide what type of surgery is needed. If a patient does need surgery, the surgeon will insert special tools through other small incisions called portals. These portals are used to cut, shave, grasp, and anchor stitches into bone. If the surgeon decides a patient needs traditional open surgery to fix the problem, they may go for it. Afterward, they’ll remove the arthroscope and they’ll close the wound with special tape or stitches.

This is the basic information about Arthroscopy. We recommend you to visit a doctor for proper guidance. We hope this information adds value to your knowledge. Watch out this space for more such information. Greetings for SYS Medtech International PVT. LTD.

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