Fracture

Risk Factors A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.Risk factors for a fracture include: Advancing agePostmenopauseDecreased muscle massOsteoporosis decreased bone mass, which weakens bones this can affect men and women Certain congenital bone conditions (rare)Accidents or violence Symptoms Symptoms of a fracture include: Pain, often severe (primary symptom)Instability of the area around the breakInability to use the limb or affected area normally (there may be full or partial restriction in movement)Swelling or bruising caused by the bleeding from the bone and surrounding tissuesNumbness caused by damage to a nearby nerve (rare)Fainting or even shock (rareonly in a severe trauma) DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and how you injured yourself, and examine the injured area. Tests may include: X-rays to look for a break in the bone. CT scan CT scanuses computerized x-rays to make pictures of structures inside the body. MRI scan a test that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to make pictures of structures inside the body. Bone scan typically for stress fractures. Treatment Treatment involves:

Putting the pieces of bone together (may require anesthesia and/or surgery)Keeping the pieces together while the bone heals itself Devices that can hold a bone in place while it heals include: A cast (may be used with or without surgery)Metal pins across the bone with a frame holding them outside the bone (requires surgery)A metal plate with screws (requires surgery)Screws alone (requires surgery)A rod down the middle of the bone (requires surgery) Healing and RehabilitationHealing time ranges from three weeks for a simple finger fracture to many months for a complicated fracture of a long bone. All fractures require rehabilitation exercises to regain muscle strength and joint motion. Possible ComplicationsDelayed unionIt takes longer than usual to heal but does heal.NonunionThe bone does not heal and needs some special treatment.InfectionThis is more likely to happen after an open fracture or surgery.Nerve or artery damageThis usually occurs as result of a severe trauma.Compartment syndromeSevere swelling in the spaces of the limbs that causes damage to body tissues.Late arthritisThis may happen if the surface of a joint is badly damaged. Prevention You can reduce your chances of getting a fracture by:

Not putting yourself at risk for an accident or other trauma to the boneEating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin DRegularly doing weight-bearing exercise to build and maintain strong bonesRegularly doing strengthening exercises to build strong muscles and prevent fallsPatients with osteoporosis may benefit from bisphosphonate medications RESOURCES: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeonshttp://www.aaos.org American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicinehttp://www.sportsmed.org References: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available: http://www.aaos.org . Browner: Skeletal Trauma: Basic Science, Management, and Reconstruction 3rd ed. Philadelphia; Elsevier; 2003. Fractures in Adults . Vol 4. Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins; 1994. Gruntmanis U. Male osteoporosis: deadly, but ignored. American Journal of the Medical Sciences . 2007;333(2):85-92. McCarus DC. Fracture prevention in postmenopausal osteoporosis: a review of treatment options. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey . 2006;61(1):39-50. Last reviewed January 2008 by John C. Keel, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.