Bone Fracture Repair
Bone fracture repair is the process of rejoining and realigning the ends of broken
bones. This procedure is usually performed by an orthopedist, general surgeon, or family
doctor. In cases of an emergency, first aid measures should be evoked for temporary
realignment and immobilization until proper medical help is available.
How is a bone fracture repair performed
Fracture repair is applied by means of traction, surgery, and/or by
immobilization of the bones. The bone fragments are aligned as close as possible to the
normal position without injuring the skin. Metal wires or screws may be needed to align
smaller bone fragments. Once the broken ends of the bone are set, the affected area is
immobilized for several weeks and kept rigid with a sling, plaster cast, brace or splint.
With the use of traction, muscle pull on the fracture site is overcome by weights attached
to a series of ropes running over pulleys. Strategically implanted electrical stimulation
devices have proven beneficial in healing a fracture site, especially when the fracture is
healing poorly and repair by other means is difficult. |
