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Fracture
How should a fracture be treated?
A fracture refers to the damage to the integrity and continuity of the bone, which can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and limited mobility. When a fracture occurs, it is important to analyze and manage the situation based on the displacement of the fracture, whether there is associated damage to important blood vessels or nerves, and whether the fracture could cause shock. If it is a simple fracture, conservative treatment such as plaster cast immobilization or brace fixation can be used. If the fracture is accompanied by significant damage to blood vessels, nerves, or organs, or even symptoms of shock, the first step is to treat the shock, and then further manage the fracture to save the patient's life.
How to treat rib fractures?
For the treatment of rib fractures, if it is a single or multiple closed fractures, and if there is no visceral damage and the fracture position is good, most non-surgical treatments can achieve good results; a chest bandage can be used for fixation and protective treatment. If there are multiple rib fractures accompanied by abnormal breathing, open fractures, or visceral injuries, surgical methods are primarily adopted. During the recovery period, rest is important. If there is pain, anti-inflammatory analgesics can be used to alleviate the pain. During recovery, it is encouraged to cough and expectorate to avoid complications such as lung infections or atelectasis. Additionally, dietary attention should be paid to enhance nutrition. Generally, rib fractures can effectively recover within 4 to 6 weeks. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)
Symptoms of clavicle fracture
Typically, patients with a clavicle fracture will exhibit localized swelling and pain, along with subcutaneous bruising. There is limited shoulder lifting ability and pressing on the area can cause severe tenderness. There may also be palpable grinding or sensation of the bones rubbing together, and abnormal movement at the fracture site. These are common clinical symptoms of a clavicle fracture, and a diagnosis can be confirmed with a standard X-ray. In cases of severe misalignment of a clavicle fracture where manual reduction fails, it is necessary to actively pursue surgical treatment with open reduction and internal fixation, typically using Kirschner wires or steel plate screws for internal fixation.
How to rest with a rib fracture
Rib fractures are generally caused by trauma. A rib fracture can lead to localized pain and symptoms such as restricted breathing and movement. After a rib fracture, it is necessary to choose the appropriate treatment method based on the degree of displacement of the fracture, the number of ribs fractured, and whether there is associated hemothorax or pleural effusion. Treatment options may include rest, wearing a chest brace, and using antibacterial drugs to treat symptoms and prevent infections in the chest or lungs. Additionally, in daily life, excessive bending and flexing activities should be avoided to prevent further injury to the ribs. It is recommended to primarily lie flat. If breathing difficulties occur, it is advised to seek medical treatment at a formal hospital's orthopedics department. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)
When does new bone grow after a fracture?
A fracture refers to the destruction of the integrity and continuity of bone, presenting symptoms such as localized pain, swelling, restricted movement, and deformity. Appropriate treatment should be chosen based on the extent of displacement and whether there is associated damage to significant blood vessels or nerves. Bone healing is a prolonged process. About two weeks post-injury, there will be an increase in osteoclast activity at the site, clearing away the necrotic ends of the fractured bone, thereby stimulating the formation of new bone. Approximately four to six weeks later, there will be a significant proliferation of osteoblasts, leading to the formation of new bone callus. Thus, new bone growth begins around four to six weeks after the fracture.
Symptoms of patellar fracture
Patella fractures often occur due to direct trauma, such as a sudden fall that can result in a fracture of the patella, and symptoms include localized pain, swelling, and limited flexion and extension of the knee joint. If the patella fracture is widely separated, the presence of a hollow state anterior to the patella can be used to diagnose the fracture. The treatment of a patella fracture should be chosen based on a comprehensive analysis of the displacement of the fracture and the displacement of the joint surface.
Fractures are categorized into several types.
In short, fractures can be classified into the following types: First, based on the integrity of the skin and mucous membrane at the fracture site, it can be classified into closed fractures and open fractures. Second, based on the shape and degree of the fracture. It can be categorized into oblique fractures, transverse fractures, spiral fractures, comminuted fractures, greenstick fractures, impacted fractures, compression fractures, and bone injuries. Third, based on the stability of the fracture ends, it can be classified into stable fractures and unstable fractures. Among unstable fractures, these include oblique fractures, spiral fractures, and comminuted fractures. Thus, fracture classification fundamentally falls into these major categories.
Principles of Fracture Treatment
Usually, the treatment principles for patients after a fracture are mainly reflected in the following aspects: First, it is necessary to actively reposition displaced fractures, as continuously misplaced fractures can easily lead to nonunion or malunion later on. It is crucial to actively perform manual repositioning or consider open reduction and internal fixation surgery. Second, strict rest and immobilization must be adhered to, as these provide the best conditions for fracture healing. During the treatment period, patients can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics and medications that promote fracture healing. Third, once callus formation begins in the later stages, diligent functional exercises are necessary. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor)
Rib fracture complications
Rib fractures often result from trauma and can involve a single fracture or multiple fractures in one rib. In severe cases, there might be multiple fractures across several ribs, causing a flail chest condition. Rib fractures initially lead to localized bleeding and swelling, making breathing difficult. This situation might also result in increased pleural effusion or hemothorax. In severe cases, it leads to significant breathing difficulties. Therefore, if a rib fracture occurs, it is advisable to visit the thoracic department of a formal hospital for medical consultation.
Symptoms of secondary lumbar vertebral fracture
It usually manifests as the patient experiencing significant lower back pain symptoms, and limited mobility in the lower back area, inhibiting walking. When the fracture is severe, it can cause damage to the patient's spinal nerves or cauda equina nerves, resulting in numbness, weakness, and pain in one or both lower limbs, and even weakness in extending the big toe or the ankle. The patient may feel a sensation of heat in the perineal region, and abnormalities in urination and defecation may occur, which in severe cases can lead to complete paralysis. These are common clinical symptoms of secondary lumbar spine fractures. Usually, a diagnosis can be confirmed with a regular X-ray, a local CT scan, and magnetic resonance imaging.