Tag: fracture

What is a Bone Fracture?

A bone fracture is when there is a break in the continuity of the bone. It may involve a crack or be completely broken. Bone fractures may happen completely or partially from trauma. This can be due to:

• A fall
• A motor vehicle accident
• A range of sports activities

Bone fractures may be the result of high force impact or stress. A bone fracture may occur as a result of certain medical conditions. This is because sometimes, the bones can become weakened, such as osteoporosis. Athletes may experience overuse injuries as well. 

There are many types of bone fractures that can happen to the bones within the body. The most common type of fracture include:

• Hip 
• Knee
• Shoulder

Fractured Bone Management

Fracture management is when an orthopedic surgeon puts treatment in place. Sometimes it is common to have surgery. A bone fracture is usually treated with a cast or a splint. A cast or splint will immobilize the bone. This is to stop it from moving and encourage the bones to straighten. Medication is often prescribed to treat the pain of a bone fracture.

If fractures are severe enough, the patient may need orthopedic surgery. Hip fractures almost always need surgery. Internal and external rods and/or pins may be used to hold the bone in place. This is to allow the bones plenty of time to align again.

Fractured Bone Treatment

A cast that is made from plaster of Paris is one of the most usual ways of immobilising a limb. This cast is made from a preparation of gypsum. It sets hard when water is added. Depending on the severity of the fracture, the orthopedic operation procedures can include:

Simple Fractures

With a simple fracture, the two ends of the broken bone are lined up. They are then held in place. The limb is bandaged and then the wet plaster is applied by the orthopedic surgeon.

Compound Fractures

Compound fractures are cleaned in the operating room to remove debris before being set in place. This is because a broken bone exposed to the open air may become infected. An orthopedic surgeon will perform the correct measures to ensure no infection occurs.

Long Bones

Long bones such as the bone of the thigh (femur) are difficult to keep aligned because they are so complex. In adults, these are often treated by internal nailing and screws. Once the two ends of bone start to show signs of healing, the leg and hip joint are immobilised in plaster of Paris. In other cases, pins are inserted above and below the fractured area. The surgery is completed under a general anaesthetic.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia can occur when a person’s hip joint does not develop the correct way. It’s usually common in babies. But, teenagers and adults may also experience symptoms of undetected hip dysplasia. This can happen later in life.

The hip is a ball and socket type of joint. The top end of the thigh bone is the ball. This fits into a curved part of the pelvis. With hip dysplasia, the acetabulum is too shallow. This means that the hip becomes dislocated or unstable.

Hip dysplasia in babies is more common if the baby had a breech birth. It is also common if there is a family history of the condition. Hip dysplasia is more common in females and firstborn children.

Western Orthopedics Clinic

It is important to be prepared for the future. If you ever experience bone fractures, you can source treatment from Western Orthopedics. You can book a consultation with Dr Pavitar Sunner. Here is a list of clinics where orthopedic surgical procedures are available:

 

Sky City – Bella Vista

Suite 116, Level 1

20B Lexington Drive

 

Norwest Business Park

Bella Vista, NSW 2153

 

Nepean Private Specialist Centre

Suite 13B, Level 3

1A Barber Avenue

Penrith NSW 2750

 

Katoomba

61 Parke Street

Katoomba NSW 2780

 

Merrylands

21 Memorial Avenue

Merrylands, NSW 2160

 

Gregory Hills

7 Gregory Hills Road

Gregory Hills NSW 2557

 

Camden

78 John Street

Camden NSW 2570