Musculoskeletal Fracture Care
Fractures, or broken bones, can happen unexpectedly from an accident, fall, or direct impact during sports or everyday life activities. At Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health, we understand how critical proper care is for healing and recovery. Our expert team specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of musculoskeletal fractures, using advanced techniques to restore bone strength and function. We’re here to help you recover from any fracture, big or small. We’ll guide you to regain mobility and return to your daily activities.
Understanding Bone Fractures
Bones are living tissues that provide support and allow movement, but they can break when subjected to too much force. The severity of a fracture depends on the strength of the impact.
Some fractures are complete breaks, while others may only partially crack the bone. The treatment for a fracture varies based on its severity and location, with options ranging from splints and casts to more involved surgical procedures.
Types of Bone Fractures
Fractures can be classified based on the nature of the injury, the pattern of the break, and the location of the fracture. Some common types of fractures include:
- Transverse Fracture: A straight-line break across the bone.
- Oblique Fracture: An angled line or break in the bone.
- Spiral Fracture: A fracture that encircles the bone in a spiral pattern.
- Comminuted Fracture: A fracture where the broken bone is in several pieces.
- Displaced Fracture: A fracture where the bone fragments on each side of the break are not aligned.
- Open Fracture (Compound Fracture): A fracture where bone fragments puncture the skin. This may damage nearby muscles and tendons. This type of fracture is often the most serious due to the increased risk of infection in both the wound and the bone.
Symptoms of a Fractured Bone
Common signs of a fracture include:
- Pain: The fractured bone is usually accompanied by intense pain.
- Swelling: The affected area may experience swelling due to the injury.
- Tenderness: The area around the fracture will likely be tender to the touch.
- Physical Deformity: In some cases, the fractured bone may cause a visible deformity or abnormal positioning of the affected limb.
- Difficulty Moving: The injured limb may be difficult or impossible to move due to the fracture.
- Bruising: Discoloration or bruising may appear around the fracture site.
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek care immediately, especially if the bone is visible or there is significant deformity.
Treatment Options for Fractured Bones
The treatment approach for a fractured bone is tailored to the specific type and severity of the fracture. The main goals of treatment are to manage pain, reduce swelling, and align and immobilize the fractured bone to help it heal. Common treatment options include:
- Pain Medication: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort during the healing process.
- Immobilization:
- Splints or Casts: These are used to immobilize the fractured bone and prevent further movement or displacement. Splints are typically used temporarily, while casts provide more long-term immobilization.
- Functional Casts or Braces: These allow limited movement of nearby joints while still immobilizing the fractured bone.
- Realignment: In displaced fractures, the broken bones may need to be realigned or manipulated back into their proper position before immobilization.
- Surgical Intervention:
- External Fixation: In severe fractures, an external fixation device consisting of metal rods and pins can help hold the bone in place until it heals.
- Internal Fixation: Plates, rods, or screws may be surgically implanted to maintain the proper position of the bone during the healing process.
- Bone Grafting: In cases where the fracture is severely displaced, or the bone is not healing correctly, a bone graft may be required to facilitate the healing process.
- Physical Therapy: Once the initial healing process is underway, physical therapy may be recommended to restore muscle strength, range of motion, and flexibility in the affected area.
The recovery time for fractures can vary, ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the type of injury and your overall health.
Importance of Early Treatment
Getting treatment right away for a fracture is essential to prevent further problems. Delaying care can cause the bone to heal incorrectly, which may lead to ongoing pain and movement issues. Open fractures or badly misaligned bones have a higher risk of infection or complications, making it even more critical to seek immediate medical attention. At Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health, we focus on providing timely and effective care, using advanced tools to assess your fracture care and create a treatment plan that supports proper healing.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Recovering from a fracture requires patience, as you’ll likely need time away from activities like sports or strenuous work. A proper rehabilitation program is essential for a full recovery. Physical therapy can help rebuild strength, restore movement, and correct any underlying issues that may have contributed to the injury.
Rehabilitation begins with simple, gentle exercises and progresses as the bone heals. Your doctor and physical therapist will guide you through each stage of recovery, ensuring the bone heals properly and safely and allowing you to return to your normal activities when ready.
Preventing Bone Fractures
While fractures aren’t always avoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Use Protective Gear: Wear helmets, pads, or other protective equipment when participating in high-risk activities and sports.
- Maintain Bone Health: A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D and regular weight-bearing exercise can strengthen bones.
- Practice Safe Movements: Use proper techniques in sports and avoid overexertion.
By staying proactive, you can lower your chances of injury and protect your bones.
Contact Us
If you suspect a fracture or need guidance on treatment options, our team at Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health is here to help. We provide expert care from diagnosis through recovery, ensuring you get the best possible treatment every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about fracture care or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists. We’re committed to helping you heal and get back to the activities you love.
Proudly Serving: Brandon, North Tampa, St. Petersburg, Wesley Chapel, and Zephyrhills.