FRACTURE CARE
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences defines physical trauma as when an object or force strikes the body, often causing concussions, fractures, or broken bones. These injuries require:
-
Elite care
-
Specialized physician training
-
Deep experience in treating traumatic fractures and musculoskeletal injuries
Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine not only applies proficiencies in these areas every day, but we also focus on managing the life altering impacts caused from physical trauma. This results in a unique treatment and care approach to each individual.
Fractures
Fractures and broken bones are really the same injury. A fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. The difference lies in the way the break happened. For example, a stress fracture is usually an incomplete break of the bone and typically occurs from overuse or osteoporosis which causes weakened bones or skeletal fragility. A fracture usually results from an injury.
Three common bone fractures:
-
An open fracture occurs when the skin splits.
-
A stable fracture exists where the bone breaks but does not shift out of place. On an x-ray, it looks like a line between two pieces of bone.
-
An absence of bone separation suggests a hairline fracture.
Symptoms of fractures include:
-
The snapping sound of a breaking bone
-
A deformed appearance around the injured area
-
Severe pain and swelling
-
Bleeding or skin bruising
A diagnosis requires a lab test or imaging leading to treatment by a medical professional. Unfortunately, a fracture can take several weeks or months to heal.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) predicts age-related fractures will increase to more than 3 million by 2025.
Healing Fractures
Treatment for fractures emphasizes the alignment of broken bones to the correct positions and might consist of surgical and non-surgical methods depending on injury severity, age, and the individual’s activity level.
After aligning the bones, the stabilization of the break as well as the biological ability of the body to heal are the major factors in repairing a fracture.
Fracture Treatments
The most common treatments—casts, splints, and braces— immobilize the bone in the right position. This allows time and the body’s own healing powers to mend the bone.
Since some muscle may soften around the injured area, physical therapy might be part of your treatment to ensure strength is restored to the weakened bone and muscle. Types of physical rehabilitation include home exercise programs and outpatient therapy. A physical therapist will counsel you on the most effective techniques you need to practice to fully recover from a fracture.
Ultimately, your consistent commitment to daily exercises will lead to the desired outcome of the bone fracture healing process.
Fractures, Physical Trauma, and Broken Bone Care in Fort Myers
Contact Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine of Southwest Florida for superior treatment of fractures, physical trauma, and broken bones in Fort Myers, Florida at (239) 482-8788.
GETTING YOU BACK TO THE
ACTIVITIES
YOU LOVE
SERVING SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Helping patients improve strength, stability, mobility and function.
