Each year, more than two million Americans experience fractures or broken bones. Fortunately, with early intervention and treatment, it’s possible to reduce pain and swelling and encourage your body’s healing process. At Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants, the board-certified orthopaedic surgeons specialize in treating fractures. To make an appointment, call the practice in Merrillville, Indiana, or book online today.
A fracture is an injury to a bone. Fractures come in many sizes; some are finer than human hair, others are large, causing your bone to break into several pieces. Regardless of the underlying cause, all fractures need treatment. Without immobilization or surgery, the bones won’t heal properly, affecting your mobility.
Symptoms of fractures include:
Depending on the severity of the fracture, you might also experience nausea, faintness, or dizziness.
People experience fractures for various reasons. Some of the most common causes include general wear-and-tear, traumatic injuries, and osteoporosis. You might also experience a fracture if you live an active lifestyle or play contact sports like football or hockey.
To diagnose a fracture, your Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants provider asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, if it extends to other parts of your body, and if standing up or moving around makes it worse.
Next, your provider orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan. These procedures capture detailed photographs of your bones and joints, allowing your provider to thoroughly assess the fracture.
After determining the type and severity of your fracture, your Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants provider develops a custom treatment plan.
Treatment of fractures depends on various factors, including their location and severity. If you have a minor hairline fracture, your provider might recommend immobilization with a cast or a splint.
If your bone breaks into multiple pieces, orthopaedic surgery might be necessary. During bone repair surgery, your provider uses metal plates, screws, and rods to hold the fragments of your bone in the proper position. Over time, your bones fuse together, restoring your normal function and range of motion.
The length of time it takes for a fracture to heal varies from person to person. Minor fractures typically heal within a few weeks, but more severe fractures can take months. To speed up your body’s healing process, Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants recommends:
It’s also important to attend your follow-up appointments and participate in physical therapy.
To learn more about the treatment options for fractures, make an appointment at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants by calling the office or booking a visit online today.
