Fracture Treatment
Complete list of fracture information
Treatment depends on the type of fracture, its severity, the individual's age and
general health. The first priority in treating any fracture is to address the entire
medical status of the patient. Medical personnel are trained not allow a painful, deformed
limb to distract them from potentially life-threatening injury elsewhere or shock. If an
open fracture is accompanied by serious soft tissue injury, it may be necessary to control
bleeding and the shock that can accompany loss of blood.
First aid is the appropriate initial treatment in emergency situations. It includes
proper splinting, control of blood loss, and monitoring vital signs such as breathing and
circulation.
Fracture Treatment Immobilization
Immobilization of a fracture site can be done internally or externally. The primary
goal of immobilization is to maintain the realignment of a bone long enough for healing to
start and progress. Immobilization by external fixation uses splints, casts, or braces.
This may be the primary and only procedure for fracture treatment. Splinting to immobilize
a fracture can be done with or without traction. In emergency situations if the injured
individual must be moved by someone other than a trained medical person, splinting is a
useful form of fracture management. It should be done without causing additional pain and
without moving the bone segments. In a clinical environment, plaster of Paris casts are
used for immobilization. Braces are useful as they often allow movement above and below a
fracture site. Treatments for stress fractures include rest and decreasing or stopping any
activity that causes or increases pain.
Fracture Treatment - Fracture reduction
Fracture reduction is the procedure by which a fractured bone is realigned in normal
position. It can be either closed or open. Closed reduction refers to realigning bones
without breaking the skin. It is performed with manual manipulation and/or traction and is
commonly done with some kind of anesthetic. Open reduction primarily refers to surgery
that is performed to realign bones or fragments. Fractures with little or no displacement
may not require any form of reduction.
Traction is used to help reposition a broken bone. It works by applying pressure to
restore proper alignment. The traction device immobilizes the area and maintains
realignment as the bone heals. A fractured bone is immobilized by applying opposing force
at both ends of the injured area, using an equal amount of traction and countertraction.
Weights provide the traction pull needed or the pull is achieved by positioning the
individual's body weight appropriately. Traction is a form of closed reduction and is
sometimes used as an alternative to surgery. Since it restricts movement of the affected
limb or body part, it may confine a person to bed rest for an extended period of time.
A person may need open reduction if there is an open, severe, or comminuted fracture.
This procedure allows a physician to examine and surgically correct associated soft tissue
damage while reducing the fracture and, if necessary, applying internal or external
devices. Internal fixation involves the use of metallic devices inserted into or through
bone to hold the fracture in a set position and alignment while it heals. Devices include
plates, nails, screws, and rods. When healing is complete, the surgeon may or may not
remove these devices. Virtually any hip fracture requires open reduction and internal
fixation so that the bone will be able to support the patient's weight.
Fracture Treatment - Alternative treatment
In addition to the importance of calcium for strong bones, many alternative treatment
approaches recommend use of mineral supplements to help build and maintain a healthy,
resilient skeleton. Some physical therapists use electro-stimulation over a fractured site
to promote and expedite healing. Chinese traditional medicine may be helpful by working to
reconnect chi through the meridian lines along the line of a fracture. Homeopathy
can enhance the body's healing process. Two particularly useful homeopathic remedies are Arnica
(Arnica montana) and Symphytum (Symphytum officinalis). If possible,
applying contrast hydrotherapy to an extremity (e.g., a hand or foot) of a
fractured area can assist healing by enhancing circulation. |
