Bone fractures or broken bones are common injuries that can happen to anyone at any age. These injuries vary widely in severity and complexity. They can be the minor ones that can heal on their own while some may be complex requiring surgery.

Determining the appropriate treatment method for a fracture can depend on several factors, including the type of fracture, its location, and the patient’s health status. But first comes the diagnosis. There are multiple methods of bone fracture diagnosis, but diagnosing bone fractures through a CT scan is a common method. Let's see in this guide.

Types of Bone Fractures and Severity Levels

Whether surgery is required can be significantly influenced by the type of fracture a person sustains. These are a few of the most prevalent kinds:

• Simple Fracture: A fracture where the bone breaks cleanly without breaking through the skin. These fractures can often be treated without surgery, especially if the bone remains aligned.
• Compound Fracture: In this type, the bone breaks through the skin, creating an open wound. Compound fractures are typically more complex and often require surgical intervention to clean and repair the injury to reduce the risk of infection.
• Comminuted Fracture: In this fracture, the bone shatters into several pieces. This type of injury usually necessitates surgery, as the fragmented pieces of bone need to be carefully realigned and stabilized.
• Displaced Fracture: A displaced fracture occurs when the broken bone pieces move out of alignment. This type often requires surgery to restore proper alignment and ensure that the bone heals correctly.

When is Surgery Typically Needed?

Surgery for bone fractures is generally considered necessary when the fracture cannot be properly realigned and stabilized through non-surgical methods like casting or splinting. Here are some situations where surgery is commonly recommended:

Displaced Fractures:

Surgery is frequently required when a bone fractures and the fragments shift out of position. To encourage appropriate healing and reduce the possibility of long-term issues, doctors must realign the bones in certain situations. Dislocated fractures may heal incorrectly if treatment is not received, leading to a lifelong deformity or loss of function.

Compound Fractures:

A compound fracture, where the broken bone pierces the skin, poses an increased risk of infection. Surgery allows the doctor to clean the wound, remove any debris, and stabilize the bone to promote healing.

Multiple or Complex Fractures:

Fractures that involve multiple broken bones, such as those in car accidents or severe falls, typically require surgery. Complex fractures, where bones break in several places or shatter, need surgical treatment to ensure the fragments are properly aligned.

Fractures with Damage to Blood Vessels or Nerves:

If a fracture is not repaired surgically, it may occasionally result in damage to nearby blood vessels or nerves, which can lead to additional problems. Through surgery, physicians can treat soft tissue and bone problems at the same time, increasing results.

Types of Surgical Procedures for Bone Fractures

Orthopedic surgeons can use multiple surgical techniques depending on the type and severity of the fracture. Here are some most common fractures:

Internal Fixation:

In extreme conditions when the bone needs stability, metal hardware is used like screws, plates, and rode. To guarantee appropriate healing, the hardware is fastened to the bone and holds the pieces in place. For fractures that require substantial support and stability, especially in weight-bearing bones like the femur or tibia, internal fixing is commonly utilized.

Although it may occasionally be taken out once the bone has completely healed, internal fixation hardware is typically left in place permanently. Internal fixation's primary benefit is that it enables patients to start moving the injured area sooner, which can be crucial for long-term mobility and rehabilitation.

External Fixation

The process of external fixing entails driving screws or pins into the bone on either side of the fracture and attaching them to an external frame. By stabilizing the bone from the outside, this frame keeps it in the proper place during the healing process. When quick surgery is not feasible or there is substantial damage to the surrounding tissue, external fixation is frequently utilized.

External fixation is less common than internal fixation, however, it can be a useful technique for complicated fractures or situations where the infection risk is considerable. When the bone is sufficiently secure for internal healing, the frame is usually removed.

Bone Grafting

When there is a substantial loss of bone mass, usually as a result of a comminuted fracture in which bone pieces are absent, bone grafting may be required. Surgeons fill in the gap left by the fracture with a piece of bone, either from the patient or a donor, during this treatment. Bone grafts promote the formation of new bone and are frequently used to treat severe fractures that would not heal on their own.

The provider can be combined with other methods like internal or external fixation to stabilize the grafted area and support recovery.

Benefits and Risks of Surgical Treatment

Like any other procedure, there are benefits and risk factors too:

Benefits:

Faster recovery:

Surgical intervention can shorten recovery time by ensuring the bones are properly aligned, which reduces the risk of complications that could prolong healing.

Improved stability:

Strong support is provided by stabilizing the fracture with screws, plates, or rods; this is especially crucial for fractures in load-bearing regions like the legs.

Reduced risk of improper healing:

Surgery lowers the chances of malunion (incorrect healing) or non-union (failure to heal), both of which can cause chronic pain and dysfunction.

Risks:

• Infection: There is a risk of infection at the surgical site, especially with compound fractures.
• Blood Clots: Surgery can increase the risk of blood clots, particularly in the legs.
• Nerve Damage: There is a small risk of nerve damage during surgery, which could impact sensation or mobility in the affected area.

Post-Surgical Care and Recovery

Post-surgical era requires proper care and recovery. To promote appropriate healing, patients may need to keep the injured area immobile for the first several weeks after surgery. Physical therapy aids in restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility when the bone has sufficiently healed.

Appointments for follow-up are essential for tracking the development of bone repair. To verify that the bone is healing properly and make any necessary therapy adjustments, the doctor may take X-rays during these visits.

When to Consult an Orthopedic Surgeon

If you suspect a fracture, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Certain symptoms may indicate a need for surgical consultation, including:

• Severe pain or inability to move the affected area
• Visible deformity in the injured limb
• Open wounds with bone visible
• Numbness or loss of circulation

Dig Deeper: Step-by-Step Guide for Immediate Care of Bone Fractures

Conclusion

To conclude, bone fractures range from simple to complex as the therapeutic options vary according to the complexity of the fracture. Some fractures need surgery to guarantee correct alignment, stability, and healing, even though many recover without it. Better long-term results and early action can result from speaking with a healthcare professional as soon as possible following a fracture.

Whatever the severity of the bone fracture may be, the healing process requires early diagnosis. Therefore, opt for reliable imaging services for orthopedic injuries today and gain an upper hand on fracture relief.