Broken Bones (Bone Fractures): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is a Broken Bone?

A fracture is a condition in which a bone cracks or breaks due to a hard impact, accident, or other trauma. Bones can also break if they experience repeated stress or due to medical conditions such as osteoporosis, which weaken bones and make them more susceptible to injury.

Types of Bone Fractures

There are several types of fractures that commonly occur:

1. Open Fracture : Broken bone penetrates the skin, high risk of infection.
2. Closed Fracture : A broken bone without breaking the surrounding skin.
3. Comminuted Fracture : The bone is broken into several small pieces.
4. Compression Fracture : Often occurs in the spine due to osteoporosis.
5. Greenstick Fracture : Part of the bone breaks, and the other part remains intact (common in children).

Symptoms of Broken Bones

Common symptoms of a fracture include:

• Severe pain in the injured area
• Swelling, bruising, or discoloration of the skin around the broken bone
• Difficulty moving the injured limb
• Bones that appear abnormal or crooked
• In an open fracture, the bone may be visible protruding from the skin.

Fracture Treatment

Fracture treatment depends on the type and location of the fracture and the patient's general health condition. Here are some common treatment methods:

1. Immobilization with a Cast or Splint : Used in most cases of closed fractures. The cast or splint holds the bone in place and aids the healing process.
2. Surgery : For severe or open fractures, surgery is often necessary. Metal such as pins, plates, or screws are placed to reunite the broken bones.
3. Traction : A method that uses pulling to hold a bone in place, often used for fractures in long bones such as the femur.
4. Physical Therapy : After the bones have fused, physical therapy is needed to restore muscle strength and range of motion to the injured area.

Fracture Complications

Possible complications after a fracture include:

• Infection, especially in open fractures
• Damage to blood vessels or nerves around the fracture area
• Non-union (bones do not fuse together) or malunion (bones fuse together in the wrong position)
• Risk of arthritis in broken bones in the joint area

Fracture Prevention

Fractures can be prevented by maintaining bone health through a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and regular exercise to strengthen muscles and bones. Avoid high-risk activities without adequate protective equipment, such as extreme sports or excessive weight lifting.

Article Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15241-bone-fractures
https://www.alodokter.com/patah-tulang
https://hellosehat.com/muskuloskeletal/patah-tulang/