A fracture is a medical term for a broken bone. Bone fractures are a common injury among patients of all ages. They occur in different ways and require different treatments to achieve the best outcomes.
Falls and high-impact injuries are the primary causes of bone fractures. Others develop from medical conditions that weaken bones, such as osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.
Fractures can be classified in many different ways, including:
Many fractures are very painful and may prevent you from moving or bearing weight on the limb or joint. There may also be swelling, tenderness and/or bruising over the site of the fracture, and the limb may look deformed.
Treatment will depend upon the type of injury and the specific bone involved. Some fractures can be treated by stabilizing and immobilizing the limb or joint in a cast to keep the broken ends of the bone in proper position while they heal. Other fractures may require surgery, with or without internal fixation (metal plates and screws) to realign the bones and repair possible injury to arteries or nerves.
Lancaster Orthopedic Group offers a comprehensive range of treatment options for all types of fractures, helping each patient receive the most appropriate and most effective care.