Fractures
Bone fractures are commonly known as broken bones. They are usually caused by traumas or medical conditions and repetitive forces. Treatment varies from immobilization to surgery, depending on the type and severity of the fracture.
What Are Fractures?
Types of Fractures
When a fracture happens, it’s classified as either open or closed:
- In an open fracture (compound fracture), the bone pokes through the skin and can be seen.
- In a closed fracture (simple fracture), the bone is broken, but the skin is intact.
Causes
Although bones are rigid, they do bend to a point when an outside force is applied. However, when it is too great, they will break.
This force can come from sudden hits that happen during falls, sports injuries, or accidents. At the same time, conditions that weaken the bones, like osteoporosis or cancer, might make them more prone to fractures. Additionally, overuse or repetitive motions can make the muscles tired and therefore make the bone more susceptible to pressure, which causes stress fractures.
Diagnosis
When meeting with your healthcare specialist, they will go over your medical history (including how the injury happened), perform a physical check-up and they might order tests that include:
- X-Rays
- MRIs
- CT Scan
During your consultation, your doctor will also listen to and address any concern you might have.
“Dr Ashford has been great to work with throughout my procedure. My experience has been better than I expected. I am very pleased with Ashford Orthopedics and have and will recommend Dr Ashford for any orthopedic needs.” —Charles R.
How Do We Treat Them?
At Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, we treat every kind of fracture that isn’t back-related. Depending on the severity and type of fracture, treatment options include:
Immobilization
Due to the fact that the bones can heal successfully when they have been repositioned and given time to weld, immobilization with a splint or a cast is the most common type of fracture treatment.
Immobilization usually lasts for six to eight weeks. You’ll likely need follow up X-rays to make sure your bones are healing correctly.
Surgery
Some bone fractures require surgery. There are few techniques Dr. Ashford might use.
Internal fixation
During this procedure, Dr. Ashford realigns your bones and secures them in place with pieces of metal so that they can heal and grow back together.
Internal fixation techniques include:
- Rods: inserted through the center of the bones, running from top-to-bottom.
- Plates and screws: screwed into the bone to hold the pieces together in place.
- Pins and wires: Pins and wires hold pieces of bone that are too small for other fasteners. Typically, they’re used at the same time as either rods or plates.
External fixation
During the external fixation procedure, Dr. Ashford inserts screws in the bone on either side of the fracture and connects them to a brace or bracket around the bone, outside your body. This surgery is a temporary way to stabilize your fracture and give it time to begin healing before performing an internal fixation.
Arthroplasty
If you fracture a joint you might need an arthroplasty (joint replacement). At Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, we perform robotic knee replacement surgery and shoulder arthroplasty. During the procedure, Dr. Ashford removes the damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial one. The artificial joint (prosthesis) can be metal, ceramic or heavy-duty plastic. The new joint will look like your natural joint and move in a similar way.
How Are Our Treatments Beneficial?
Dr. Ashford’s patient-centered approach is highly beneficial for patients because it focuses on individualized care, prioritizing less invasive treatments before considering surgery. As an experienced orthopedist, Dr. Ashford understands that while surgery can be necessary for certain conditions, many musculoskeletal issues can be effectively managed through non-surgical methods such as physical therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes.
This approach not only helps patients avoid the risks and recovery time associated with surgery but also empowers them to take an active role in their treatment plan. By exploring all available options first, Dr. Ashford ensures that each patient receives a tailored care strategy that aligns with their specific needs and goals, fostering long-term healing and improved quality of life.
If you would like more information about our approach to fracture care, call Ashford Orthopedic Specialists or book a personalized appointment online today.