FRACTURE CASES

Fracture cases refer to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of bone fractures.

Types of Fractures:

1. Closed fracture: Skin remains intact

2. Open fracture: Skin is broken

3. Comminuted fracture: Bone breaks into multiple pieces

4. Transverse fracture: Bone breaks horizontally

5. Oblique fracture: Bone breaks at an angle

6. Stress fracture: Small crack in bone due to repetitive stress

Causes of Fractures:

1. Trauma (e.g., falls, accidents)

2. Sports injuries

3. Osteoporosis

4. Bone cancer

5. Infections (e.g., osteomyelitis)

6. Congenital conditions

Symptoms of Fractures:

1. Pain or tenderness

2. Swelling or bruising

3. Limited mobility

4. Deformity or abnormal alignment

5. Difficulty walking or bearing weight

Diagnosis of Fractures:

1. Physical examination

2. Imaging tests (e.g., X-rays, CT scans, MRI)

3. Bone scan

4. Orthopedic specialty exams (e.g., range of motion tests)

Treatment Options for Fractures:

Conservative:

1. Immobilization (e.g., casts, splints)

2. Pain management (medication, injections)

3. Physical therapy

4. Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)

Surgical:

1. Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF)

2. Closed reduction internal fixation (CRIF)

3. External fixation

4. Arthroscopy

Fracture Management Phases:

1. Acute phase (0-2 weeks): Pain management, stabilization

2. Subacute phase (2-6 weeks): Mobilization, strengthening

3. Strengthening phase (6-12 weeks): Progressive resistance exercises

4. Functional phase (after 12 weeks): Return to activities

Complications of Fractures:

1. Infection

2. Nerve or blood vessel damage

3. Malunion or nonunion

4. Arthritis

5. Chronic pain

Prevention Strategies:

1. Regular exercise and strengthening

2. Fall prevention measures (e.g., handrails, non-slip mats)

3. Proper nutrition and calcium intake

4. Smoking cessation

5. Regular bone density screenings

When to Seek Medical Attention:

1. Severe pain or swelling

2. Difficulty moving or walking

3. Deformity or abnormal alignment

4. Fever or chills

5. Recent trauma or injury

Consult an orthopedic specialist or primary care physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Fracture Classification:

1. Gustilo-Anderson classification (open fractures)

2. Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) classification

3. AO/ASIF classification (fracture severity)

Fracture Healing Process:

1. Inflammation (0-4 days)

2. Soft callus formation (4-14 days)

3. Hard callus formation (14-28 days)

4. Bony union (28 days-6 weeks)

5. Remodeling (6 weeks-2 years)