A bone fracture, also known as a broken bone, occurs when there is a disruption in the continuity of the bone. This can be caused by various factors, ranging from high-impact injuries to conditions that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis. Here’s a detailed look at the aspects of bone fractures:
Types of Bone Fractures
Bone fractures can be classified into several types, based on their characteristics:
- Closed (simple) fracture: The bone breaks but there is no puncture or open wound in the skin.
- Open (compound) fracture: The bone breaks through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
- Complete fracture: The bone snaps into two or more parts.
- Incomplete fracture: The bone cracks but does not break all the way through.
- Comminuted fracture: The bone shatters into several pieces.
- Greenstick fracture: More common in children, this involves the bone bending and cracking, rather than breaking completely.
- Hairline fracture: A partial fracture of the bone, often difficult to detect with routine X-rays.
- Stress fracture: More of a crack than a break, commonly due to overuse, particularly in athletes.
- Pathologic fracture: Occurs when there is a weakening of the bone due to a disease (like osteoporosis or cancer).
Symptoms of Bone Fractures
The common symptoms of a bone fracture include:
- Pain at the site of fracture, which worsens with movement or pressure
- Swelling and bruising
- Deformed appearance of the affected limb or area
- Inability to use the limb normally
- Audible snap or grinding noise at the time of the break
Causes of Bone Fractures
Fractures are most commonly caused by:
- Trauma: Such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sports injuries.
- Osteoporosis: This condition weakens bones, making them more likely to break.
- Overuse: Repeated motions can fatigue muscles and put more force on the bone, leading to stress fractures.
How will a Physiotherapy or Chiropractor Assess a Bone Fracture?
- Complete a thorough physical examination: Checking for swelling, bruising, or deformity.
- Refer for imaging tests: X-rays are most commonly used, but CT scans and MRIs can provide more detail for complex fractures.
Treatment of Bone Fractures during Healing
Treatment depends on the type, location, and severity of the fracture and may include:
- Immobilization: Using casts, splints, or braces to keep the bone from moving and ensure proper healing.
- Traction: Applying a gentle stretching force to align the bone.
- Surgery: In cases of severe fractures, surgical methods like pins, plates, screws, or rods might be used to maintain proper bone alignment during healing.
- Physiotherapy: A physiotherapists can help ensure mobility and strength is maintained in the joints around the fracture site and check that the use of crutches, a walking boot, or other mobility aids is correct to prevent secondary injuries.
What do Physiotherapists do for bone fractures once healed?
- Manual Therapy: This hands-on treatment technique can reduce pain and restore your decreased mobility created by immobilizing the joint while your bone is healing. Our physiotherapists will gently guide your joints through its range of motion, helping to address impairments.
- Exercise Prescription: Our targeted exercises will get the joints moving and address issues with strength and flexibility. We’ll show you stretches to improve your range of motion and resistance exercises to strengthen the muscles around your joints.
- Soft Tissue Massage: These techniques, including myofascial release, active release, and trigger point release, target tight muscles and fascia, promoting relaxation, improved range of motion, and circulation.
- Work & Sport-specific training: Tailoring exercises and techniques to the specific demands and movements of a particular sport or activity.
- Education: Finally, our therapists will help you fully understand your condition and what you can do to return to the function you had prior to your fracture..
- Dry needling IMS: This technique involves the insertion of fine acupuncture needles into taut bands of muscle that contain a knot or trigger point, which works on several levels within the body to assist in releasing tight and sore muscles.
How long does it take for a fracture to heal?
Recovery from a fracture can vary greatly, depending on the bone involved and the severity of the break. Most simple fractures heal within several weeks to months, but more complex fractures can take longer to fully recover. It is very important to follow recommended timelines for non-weight bearing and immobilization periods.
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