TRAUMA AND FRACTURES

Although your bones have some flexibility, when excessive force is placed on a bone, it can break. This is called a fracture. Bones can break partially or completely, and in any number of ways. When a broken bone pierces the skin, it is called an open fracture. This type of broken bone is considered a medical emergency because of the open wound and increased risk of infection.

Even if a broken bone is not an open fracture, it still needs immediate medical attention. Broken bones often occur along with additional trauma to the body, such as muscle strain, joint pain, tendon or ligament tears. The sooner a doctor can assess a fracture and treat it, the better the chances of a short and complication-free recovery.

Common Causes of Broken Bones

Fractures are a common result of:

• Car accidents
• Falls
• Osteoporosis
• Repetitive strain (“stress fractures”)
• Sports injuries
• Trauma
• Workplace injuries

At Movement Orthopedics, we treat patients with fracture care, traumatic orthopedic injuries and joint pain.

How to Tell If You Need to See a Doctor

In the vast majority of cases, a broken bone and accompanying trauma will require immediate medical attention.

Signs and symptoms of a fracture include:

• Sudden and severe pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tender to the touch
• Inability to move the limb
• Noticeable deformity in the area
• Bone that punctures the skin

Why Choose an Orthopedic Specialist

You may be tempted to see a primary care physician about a fracture or other trauma. An orthopedic specialist, however, has additional, specialized training in the diagnosis, care and treatment of bone and soft tissue injuries. It may be necessary, for example, for your medical provider to not just treat a fracture but to also quickly alleviate pain and swelling with any associated trauma, as well as help you strengthen related muscles to restore full range of motion as you heal.

The orthopedic specialists at Movement Orthopedics have everything you will need when it comes to treating a fracture or other traumatic injury, including:

• On-site diagnostic imaging to determine the type and severity of your fracture, along with any other possible injuries such as soft tissue strain or tears.
• On-site pain-management relief, including injections to quickly reduce swelling that may be causing you pain or to block nerve signaling to stop pain before it begins.
• On-site casting or other treatment. Casting, or immobilization of the injured area, is the most common treatment for fractures. This keeps the bones in the proper position to heal. Other treatments are also available, such as a cast or brace that allows controlled movement of the injured area, or traction to help gently realign broken bones.
• Durable medical equipment (DME), such as crutches, slings, or walking boots – so you leave our office with everything you need.
• Follow-up care, including physical therapy, doctor visits, and/or surgical follow-ups, if needed.

Comprehensive Trauma Care at Movement Orthopedics

If you’ve suffered a traumatic injury and suspect you may have a broken bone, do not wait. Call Movement Orthopedics right away about receiving same-day orthopedic urgent care.

Our providers will carefully assess your condition to ensure an accurate and thorough diagnosis, so appropriate treatment can take place. We can address symptoms such as pain and swelling to determine the root cause. We can also provide you with any needed DME, like crutches or a walking boot. After you are treated, we will schedule any necessary follow-ups for you, while you’re still in our office. This way, all aspects of your care are taken care of.

Still have questions? Call Movement Orthopedics in Clinton Township, Michigan, at (586) 436-3785 and ask about our fracture and traumatic injury care.