Broken bone

Description

Fracture is a break in the bone. The fracture can be simple or complex (fracture on several locations, segmented fracture). The fracture may bleed into the adjacent tissue which results in bruising and in severe cases a limb threatening condition, compartment syndrome. The fracture may injure adjacent nerves, tendons and blood vessels.

Symptoms

Pain, swelling, deformity, numbness. A cracking sound may be heard in the moment of the injury.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and physical examination is being done. If there is a serious suspicion on the fracture and it is not seen on the X-rays image, CT scan may be recommended.

Tests

X-rays

Specialists

Orthopedics

Therapy

If the broken bones are not adequately aligned, a reduction to restore the normal positioning will be performed. This can be achieved without surgery (though with sedation) during a "closed reduction" but certain complicated fractures require surgical reduction. A splint or cast is used for immobilization. Painkillers including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen/brufen/naproxen), analgesics such as paracetamol are prescribed.