If you have suffered from a hard blow or fall, the two common questions come into mind are, is my bone broken? And if yes, how severe is the break? Later a lot of questions about the fracture arise which could be associated with treatment, recovery, etc. Before knowing the frequently asked questions about a fracture, let’s learn something about the fracture/broken bone.

A fracture is termed as a broken bone. We know bones are rigid structures made up of calcium. When a strong force greater than the strength of the bone impacts the bone, it causes a fracture. Fractures can occur anywhere in the body due to falls, trauma, or a direct blow to the bone. It can range from a hairline fracture to a complete break. A bone can break crossly, lengthwise, in multiple places, or may break in many pieces.

Dr Vasudeva Juvvadi, one of the best fracture treatment doctors in Hyderabad, says that the anatomy of a fracture is different in adults compared to children. He also wants to share some of the most common questions patients ask about a fracture; it’s treatment and recovery.

What are the most common fracture types in older adults?
With increasing age, the bone strength decreases so older adults are more susceptible to fractures, particularly in certain areas like pelvis, hip, femur, hand, forearm, leg, ankle, and vertebrae.

What causes a fracture?
Trauma to the bone by falling accidentally or in a motor vehicle accident is the most common cause of the fracture. Osteoporosis, a bone disease that degenerates the bone and makes the bone weak & brittle, is also a significant contributor to fractures. People with osteoporosis conditions are more susceptive to bone fractures. Overuse of the bones might also result in fractures, which are commonly seen in athletes.

Does osteoporosis increase the possibility of having a fracture?
It is estimated that one out of two women and one out of every four men above the age of 50 might suffer from an osteoporosis-related fracture. But remember, osteoporosis condition can be treatable.

How to recognize a fracture or a broken bone?

It is quite hard to find a fracture without diagnostic tests in some cases. So if you notice any of these symptoms, then you are at risk of having a fracture:

• Tenderness of the bone at the site of fracture.
• Pain at the fracture site
• Swelling or bruising
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Deformity of fractured limbs
• Pain might increase with motion
• Limited or no movement
• Grinding feeling or pop sound with movement
• unable to bear the weight

How are fractures treated?
Most of the bone fracture treatment can be managed without surgery. Usually, a plaster-of-paris cast or fibreglass cast is used to stabilize minor broken bones during healing. In some cases, doctors might use functional casts, which allows some controlled movement. In case of severe fractures or compound fractures, surgery is inevitable. During surgical treatment for fractures, doctors might insert rods, screws to stabilize the bones in a place or plates are arranged on the outer surface of the fractured bone. Literally, the treatment method depends on various factors such as the type and location of the fracture and the severity of the fracture.

What kind of first aid should be administered to a fracture?
If an individual is suspected of a fracture, one should follow these measures:

• Make the patient calm and composed and prevent unnecessary movement.
• If the fractured area is bleeding, apply pressure on the wound with a clean piece of cloth or with a sterile bandage if available nearby. However, vigorous flushing or rubbing the injury needs to be avoided.
• The injured area should be immobilized and do not try to realign the bone or don’t push back the bone to its position.
• Wrap ice packs in a cloth and place around the fractured site to reduce pain and swelling.
• If the person broke his neck or back, the person should stay as still as possible because the condition might be severe or life-threatening.
• Examine carefully for other injuries and call out immediately for medical help.

What are the complications of a fracture?
The possible complications of a fracture are malunion (the fracture that heals in the wrong direction), nonunion (the fracture doesn’t heal), loss of bone results in a subsequent deformity. Osteomyelitis (bone or bone marrow infection), avascular necrosis (a condition in which the bone dies if it loses blood supply)

How much time does a fracture take to heal?
It can take a few weeks to several months to heal a fracture. The recovery from a fracture varies from person to person because it depends on many factors. Everyone’s body is different; some may take more time, and others may take less time to heal. Alongside the severity of the fracture, type of fracture, area of the fracture are some other factors that decide the healing time of a fracture.

What should I do if my child encounters a fracture?
Fractures are relatively common in children, and most of the children recover fast and do well if proper treatment is provided right away. However, a broken bone or dislocated joint requires a doctor’s attention immediately. The best thing to do is to immobilize the injured area and make your child stay calm.

Fortunately, closed fractures that do not break the skin are the common kind of fractures seen in children. They can be treated without surgery. A fractured bone that pierces out through the skin termed as open fractures is rare.

Can my child’s cast get wet?
Getting your child’s cast wet can compromise the recovery because casts are not waterproof. While the products found in the market claim that they are waterproof, it’s always better to ask your doctor what they would recommend and the instructions to be followed while using them.

How long does the surgery take?
Well, it depends on the type and place of injury in the body and how severe it is. Sometimes, surgery might take longer than usual, but it doesn’t mean that something went wrong during the operation. If the fracture is open and complex, it takes hours of time in general.

What happens after surgery?
You will be discharged after your condition gets stabilized. Your child will have a follow-up appointment after some days from the surgery, which are very important. Your doctor suggests a set of precautions that your child needs to follow for faster recovery, like keeping the cast on and attending to physical therapy. If there are any complications, a revision surgery might be needed.

Conclusion:
For more information about fractures or looking for bone fracture treatment in Hyderabad, consult Dr Vasudeva Juvvadi, one of the best orthopaedician in Hyderabad. He has more than 10 years of experience who can provide top class fracture treatment. He can provide ways to handle the pain and stiffness and can effectively treat trauma and sports injuries of the bones, joints, or muscles.