Fracture Care 

A fracture is a break of bone or cartilage, often with accompanying damage to the surrounding soft tissues. Fractures occur when the force applied to a bone exceeds its strength. An injury or trauma is the most frequent cause, but conditions that weaken the bone, such as osteoporosis (reduced bone density) can make the bone prone to breaking. Injuries can be low energy such as a fall from standing or sitting, or high energy, such as a car accident, or fall from a height (from a ladder, for instance). 

Other types of fractures include pathologic fractures, which are fractures through bone affected by a tumor or infection, and stress fractures. Stress fractures occur in the normal bone which is subjected to abnormal or unaccustomed stress. When the repetitive stresses outstrip the body’s healing response, a fracture can result. Fractures that occur with a break in the skin, thus allowing communication of the fracture with the outside world, are called open fractures. warrant evaluation. Left untreated, even minor symptoms can become long-term limitations. 

In some scenarios, immobilization using a cast or brace or splint will occur. Immobilization can also occur if a reduction or manipulation of the fracture back to proper alignment is used for more severe cases. Stress fractures are usually treated with immobilization and elimination of the activity that caused the fracture. Occasionally surgery is necessary. Stabilization of the fracture is another form of treatment where metal plates, screws, pins, wires, or rods are placed through small incisions, or through full open incisions. In other cases, a procedure called an open reduction can occur where the bones are realigned after opening up the fracture. Stabilization, as above, is often performed at the same time. Open fractures, where the bone breaks through the skin, are treated emergently with a thorough rinsing of the fracture, and reduction and stabilization.