Fractures account for 16% of all musculoskeletal injuries in the U.S. each year, with over 40% occurring at home, often requiring specific treatments to control pain and promote healing.
Bone fractures can result from various incidents such as falls, car accidents, sports injuries, or specific medical conditions. Treatment focuses on controlling pain, promoting healing, preventing complications, and restoring normal function to the injured area.
Understanding Bone Fractures
A fracture is a break or crack in the bone caused by excessive force. Some fractures are more common in children, while others predominantly affect adults and seniors. In the United States, over 6 million fractures occur annually. The nature of the break can vary significantly, with bones fracturing completely or partially in different ways, such as crosswise, lengthwise, or into multiple pieces.
Types of Fractures
Our bones can bend slightly to absorb force, but excessive force can cause them to snap. The severity of a fracture depends on the force applied. Common fracture types include:
- Stable Fracture: The bone ends are barely out of
- Transverse Fracture: The fracture line is
- Oblique Fracture: The fracture line is
- Comminuted Fracture: The bone shatters into three or more
- Open Fracture: The skin is broken, increasing the risk of This is more common in sports injuries and less common in home incidents.
Causes of Fractures
Fractures can be caused by various factors, including:
- Trauma: Falls, sports injuries, twisting injuries, car accidents, fights, and gunshot
- Medical Conditions: Osteoporosis, infections, osteogenesis imperfecta, chronic steroid use, and bone tumors.
- Overuse: Common in athletes, leading to stress fractures from repetitive
Common Fractures in Seniors
As people age, their balance weakens, making falls more common. These falls often lead to fractures, with severity depending on the fall and the force on the bone. Common fractures in seniors include:
- Collarbone Fracture: Often resulting from a hard fall or car accident, requiring a sling or surgery and physical therapy in severe cases.
- Wrist Fracture: Common when attempting to break a fall with the hands, treated with a splint, cast, or surgery.
- Ankle Fracture: Often resulting from falls, treated with a supportive shoe, cast, or surgery, depending on severity.
- Vertebral Fracture: Common in those with osteoporosis, it can occur from minor movements. Treatment ranges from rest to surgery.
- Hip Fractures: Among the most severe, typically requiring surgery or extensive rest if surgery is not viable.
Treatment Options for Fractures
Treatment and recovery time vary based on the patient, fracture severity, and affected bone. Common treatments include:
- Cast Immobilization: The most common treatment using plaster or fiberglass casts to prevent bone movement.
- Functional Casts or Braces: Allow limited movement of nearby
- Traction: Aligns bones through a steady pulling
- External Fixation: A surgical procedure where metal pins or screws are placed into the
- Physical Therapy: Essential for recovery, especially in older
Treatment for Fractures in Morgantown and Bridgeport
Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates (MOA) has been providing care since 1977, focusing on returning patients to active, pain-free lifestyles. For appointments, call 304-599-0720 or click to schedule below.