Fracture Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
A broken bone or fracture is a condition where the integrity of the bones in the human body is broken.
This condition can occur in the area of the ends of the bones or cartilage in the joints and in the middle of the bones so that it can cause injury to the surrounding tissue, change in position (dislocation), to impaired movement function.
Meanwhile, there are several types of fractures, namely:
- Avulsion fracture: When a muscle or ligament pulls on a bone causing it to break
- Comminuted fracture: The breaking of the bone into several pieces
- Compression fracture: Commonly occurs in the spine due to osteoporosis
- Dislocated fracture: When there is a dislocation or abnormal change in position as a result of a fracture
- Greenstick fracture: The bone is partially broken on one side but not completely broken
- Hairline fracture: a thin, partial fracture of the bone
- Impacted fracture: When the fracture affects another bone
- Intra-articular fracture: This occurs when the fracture extends into the joint surface
- Longitudinal fracture: A fracture that extends along the length of the bone
- Oblique fracture: A fracture that occurs against the long axis of the bone
- Pathological fracture: When an underlying condition weakens the bone causing it to fracture
- Spiral fracture: part of the bone is twisted when broken
- Stress fractures: Repeated stress and strain can cause bone fractures
- Transverse fracture: A straight fracture of the bone
Fracture
| Medical specialist | Orthopedic specialist |
| Symptom | Swelling, bone deformation, severe pain, open sores |
| risk factor | Women (over 50 years), menopause, smoking habits and alcohol consumption, long-term corticosteroid consumption, chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and obesity |
| How to Diagnose | Medical interview, physical exam, X-ray |
| Treatment | Immobilization, surgery, administration of pain medication, physiotherapy |
| Drug | Analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen, morphine, tramadol, or ketorolac); non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, meloxicam, cataflam, and celecoxib) |
| Complications | Heavy bleeding, physical disability |
| When to see a doctor? | Injury that could result in a broken bone, open fracture, bone sticking out through the skin and showing, heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop, body shape changes, severe pain when moved |
Symptom
Symptoms of a fracture can be characterized by:
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Swelling
Swelling is a sign of a broken bone, unless the fracture occurs deep inside, such as in the neck or femur
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Change in bone shape
There may be formation of a new bone angle, rotation of the bone, or shortening of the bone
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Terrible pain
Severe pain can be felt in the fracture area
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Open wound
The oozing protrusions of broken bones can form open sores in the skin
Reason
Fractures can be caused by many things, including:
- Collision (trauma)
- Diseases that result in decreased bone density (osteopenia). Osteopenia can trigger bone fractures even when there is no impact.
- Malignancies, such as bone tumors
Risk Factors
Some things that can increase the risk of fractures are:
- Women, especially over the age of 50
- Menopause
- Smoking habits and alcohol consumption
- Long-term use of corticosteroids
- Have chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and obesity
Diagnosis
To diagnose a fracture, there are several steps that doctors usually do. Here’s an explanation.
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Medical Interview
There is a history of falls, trauma, or collisions that underlies the suspicion of a fracture. The doctor will ask if the patient has swelling, changes in shape, or severe pain in the bone area.
Sometimes, fractures can occur without impact, which is common in people with chronic diseases. That’s why, the doctor will find out if there is a chronic disease that the patient is suffering from.
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Physical examination
Through physical examination, you will see changes in the shape of certain bone areas, abnormal sounds when the area is moved, or pain when moving.
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X-ray
Generally, to confirm a fracture, the doctor will suggest an X-ray examination. With this examination, it will be clear the condition of bone integrity and the type of fracture experienced.
Treatment
After being diagnosed with a fracture, several treatments can be recommended by the doctor according to the patient’s condition. Below is an explanation.
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Immobilization (Rest)
Injured bones must be rested (immobilized) in order to support the healing process.
Immobilization can be done by asking the patient to rest the area of the body that has a broken bone or by splinting (putting a cast and others).
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Operation action
If it is assessed that the condition of the fracture requires surgery, the doctor will plan the action to perform internal fixation with a pen or clean the shattered bones.
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Giving Pain Medication
It is common to find pain and swelling in fracture patients. The doctor will also give pain medication to make the patient more comfortable.
Medication for fractures usually includes:
- Analgesics, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen , morphine, tramadol, or ketorolac
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), for example ibuprofen, meloxicam, cataflam, and celecoxib
- Physiotherapy
At the end of treatment, physiotherapy or exercises are needed to restore bone function to its original state.
Physiotherapy is very important because muscles that are left inactive will shrink over time, thus hindering movement.
Prevention
To prevent bone fractures, some of these steps can be taken:
- Avoid the risk of injury by using PPE
- Increase bone density by consuming vitamin D and calcium
- Maintain ideal body weight
- Regular exercise
Complications
If fractures are not treated properly, serious complications can occur, such as:
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Heavy bleeding
Continuous bleeding that is not treated when an injury or fracture occurs can trigger life-threatening hypovolemic shock.
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Physical disability
Fractures that are not treated properly can lead to disturbances in the shape and function of the body’s locomotors, causing disability. For example, changing shape, unable to walk, and others.
When to See a Doctor?
Immediately see a doctor if you:
- Experiencing an injury that may result in a broken bone
- There is an open fracture, or bone is showing through the skin
- Severe bleeding that won’t stop
- Changes in body shape
- Changes in skin color in the injured area, turning blue and black
- Severe pain when moved
- You suspect a fracture in the neck, head, or back
- The person is unresponsive, not breathing or moving