What is a bone fracture?
A bone fracture is a broken bone. There are many different types of fractures, including:
- Stress - a tiny crack or serious bone bruise
- Stable - the ends of the bone still connect with little displacement
- Compound - the bone punctures your skin
- Compression - crushed and partly flattened bone
- Transverse - straight-across horizontal break
- Oblique - diagonal or angled break
- Segmental - a single bone with two separate fractures
- Comminuted - bone breaks into three or more sections
Dr. Elman performs a thorough exam and then typically uses X-ray imaging to verify the exact location, type, and degree of fracture.
What causes bone fractures?
The main causes of bone fractures include:
Injury
You can sustain a bone fracture if you get injured while playing contact sports, in an auto accident, by tripping and falling, or in many other ways.
Bone loss
If you have osteoporosis, your bone is very porous, weak, and prone to fractures. The most common osteoporosis-related fractures happen in the hips, spinal vertebra, and wrists.
Overuse
Overuse, such as exercising too long or too intensely, can lead to muscle tiring and overstressed bones that may crack. This is a common source of stress fractures, particularly in athletes.
All fractures require medical care. Although some fractures, like stress fractures, may heal naturally, you still need medical care to help the fracture heal properly and avoid long-term issues.
That’s where Dr. Elman comes in to help. He provides both conservative nonsurgical care and operative treatment according to your unique needs.
How do you treat a bone fracture?
It depends on the kind of fracture and the damage sustained.
Non-surgical fracture treatment
Dr. Elman recommends non-surgical care if possible. This often includes a cast, brace, or another stabilizing device that keeps your bone in place as it knits back together.
Surgical fracture treatment
If you break a large bone like the femur (thighbone), or if you have a complicated fracture, Dr. Elman can perform surgery. He may use internal or external fixation devices like rods and plates to keep your bone stable during healing.
If you have a serious fracture that causes or contributes to joint problems, you may need a partial or total joint replacement.
As an experienced orthopedic specialist, Dr. Elman offers comprehensive bone fracture care. He’s ready to help you recover, so book your visit online or by phone now.
