Fracture Care
Treatment for Broken Bones in North Texas
Bone fractures are an extremely common injury. If you have ever had a “broken bone” this is just another name for a fracture. There are many possible causes for a bone fracture. Injury and stress on the bone are the most common causes, but osteoporosis and other bone medical conditions can also contribute.
Fractures become more of a risk for people as we age and our bones get weaker. Initially, a small fracture may not have noticeable symptoms. But over time, the fracture can widen resulting in more pain and limited movement. At Methodist Orthopaedic Surgical Associates, we provide treatment for all types of bone fractures in Dallas and the North Texas area.
Types of Fractures
There are many different types of fractures. A fracture can occur on any bone and take many different forms. Determining the location and extent of the damage is an important first step when treating fractures.
Types of bone fractures we treat include:
- Hairline Fracture – A small fracture that can be hard to spot, even with x-rays.
- Impacted Fracture – A fracture that dislodged a piece of bone that embedded it into another.
- Compression fracture – A fracture on a spongy portion of the bone, usually caused by osteoporosis.
- Fracture dislocation – A joint that has become dislocated and fractured.
- Greenstick fracture – A partial fracture that affects one side of the bone, but not the rest of it. This is most common in children.
- Buckle (torus) fracture – A bone that becomes deformed but does not crack. Also more common in children.
When a fracture occurs, you will most likely experience pain, swelling, and bruising around the affected area. If you suspect you have a broken bone, try not to move the affected area and seek medical attention immediately.
How to Treat a Fracture
In most cases, fractures are treated through immobilization. The bone will need to be aligned in a certain position to make it easier for the body to heal. This is usually accomplished with a cast or brace. Most patients need between two to eight weeks of immobilization for the fracture to heal.
In more severe cases, surgery will be required to repair the fracture. This may require inserting metal screws or plates on the bone to hold it in place. Additionally, if any bone debris was created by the fracture, it will need to be removed.