Healthy bones are incredibly durable and can withstand a remarkable amount of force. However, they may shatter or break if subjected to significant force. The major causes of bone fractures Munster include physical damage, misuse, and health diseases that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis. Other variables might potentially raise an individual’s risk of fracture. A person’s bones typically deteriorate with age, increasing the likelihood of breaking. Additionally, as you mature, the probability of acquiring a bone-weakening disorder increases.

An overview of bone fractures

A bone fracture is a clinical term for a broken bone. Traumas such as falls, vehicle accidents, or sports injuries are commonly responsible for fractures. However, some medical issues and repeated stresses (such as jogging) might raise your chance of having specific types of fractures. If you break your bone, you may need surgery to fix it. Some patients need a splint, cast, brace, or sling to mend their bones. The period it takes to recover fully depends on which of your bones is fractured, where the fracture is, and what caused it.

How to diagnose bone fractures

Your clinician will use a physical examination and imaging tests to identify a bone fracture. If you are rushed to the emergency room (ER), a team of providers will stabilize you and treat your injuries in order of severity, especially if they are life-threatening. After you have been stabilized, imaging tests will be required to confirm any fractures.

1.     X-rays: An X-ray will verify any fractures and reveal how badly your bones have been affected.
2.     Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Your provider may utilize an MRI to obtain a comprehensive view of the damage to your bones and the surrounding region. An MRI will also reveal tissue such as cartilage and ligaments around your bones.
3.     CT scan: Unlike an X-ray, a CT scan provides your physician or surgeon with a complete view of your bones and surrounding tissue.
4.     Bone scan: A bone scan is used by healthcare practitioners to detect fractures that are not visible on an X-ray. This scan takes longer (often two visits four hours apart), but it can aid in the detection of certain fractures.

Bone fractures vs. sprains

Bone fractures and sprains are prevalent sports injuries. A bone fracture occurs when you brake one or more of your bones. Conversely, you can’t sprain a bone. A sprain occurs when one of your ligaments is strained or damaged. It is possible to sustain both a bone fracture and a ligament strain in the same incident, especially if you injure a joint like your knee or elbow.

Fractures can range from minor partial fractures to complete breaks in any bone. The most prevalent causes of fractures are physical trauma, misuse, and diseases like osteoporosis. Furthermore, until late maturity, a person’s bones typically weaken. This raises the chances of breaking their bone. The body may repair most fractures, but medical intervention is frequently required to maintain the shattered bones. External casts, splints, and surgical screws and plates are examples of these procedures. Call North Point Orthopaedics to schedule your consultation today to determine which fracture therapies suit you.