Bone fractures can happen to anyone, including young children and the elderly. Despite being very strong, bones can break when enough pressure is put on them to compromise their shape and structure. Fortunately, most bones can recover on their own and heal completely. However, in order to do this, the bone must be immobilized in the format that it was originally in. That way, new bone mass can rebuild the bone in exactly the same shape and form as before.
Fractures occur whenever a bone experiences a blow with a significant force, causing it to break. Learning about the types of bone fractures that can occur can help you understand the treatment plan your doctor will likely provide for you. Listed below are the most common types of bone fractures.
- Greenstick Fracture: This refers to a fracture that is incomplete. Instead of the bone breaking into 2 distinct pieces, a greenstick fracture does not completely separate the bone into pieces.
- Transverse Fracture: This refers to a fracture that causes a break in a straight line across the bone.
- Oblique Fracture: This type of fracture causes a diagonal break in the bone.
- Spiral Fracture: This refers to a fracture that happens around the bone. It is most common when a fracture happens due to a twisting motion.
- Compression Fracture: This refers to a fracture that causes the bone to be crushed. The bone will appear flatter because of it being crushed.
- Comminuted Fracture: This refers to a fracture that causes more than 2 segments or fragments to form as a result.
- Segmental Fracture: This type of fracture causes two breaks with a “floating” fragment in between.
Treatment and recovery for each type of fracture will differ. The more a bone’s original structure is altered, the more complicated your treatment will be. In cases of simple fractures, immobilization through casting is enough to heal it. However, when a bone breaks into multiple pieces, is crushed, or shatters, you may need surgery for correction. Age is also a factor in recovery. While no one should suffer a fracture, it is worse for an older person to get a fracture than children and adults. Children and young adults generally heal faster than the elderly. This is because as you age, you lose existing bone mass at a faster rate and build new bone mass at a slower rate. This causes a fracture to take longer to heal when you are old than it would have when you were younger.
Another way fractures can be detrimental to the elderly is if they have osteoporosis. This condition causes you to lose bone mass at a much faster rate than normal and new bone mass to build at an exceptionally slower rate. As a result, you will have hollow bones that are much more susceptible to breaking and less likely to completely heal.
Treatment Options for Bone Fractures in Clinton Township, MI
At Movement Orthopedics, we can address your fracture by designing a treatment plan tailored specifically for you. We offer comprehensive orthopedic services, which include treatment for a variety of conditions, including ACL tears, broken bones, arthritis, and much more. To schedule your consultation, you may call us at (586) 436-3785 or use our appointment request form.
