Fracture symptoms

Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
Updated on September 17, 2024
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After a patient suffers a fracture, they generally experience common symptoms associated with the injury, such as pain and swelling at the site of the fracture, which are common symptoms that can appear with all injuries. At the same time, there are some symptoms specific to fractures, which include three distinct symptoms: First, deformity, meaning the external appearance of the fracture patient will change; Second, the sound and sensation of bone rubbing, for example, after a limb fracture, the two broken ends may produce a rubbing sound or sensation; Third, abnormal movement, meaning that after the fracture, the site of the fracture will exhibit a level of mobility and range of motion that is abnormal. These are the three specific symptoms of fracture patients.

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How painful is a rib fracture?

How painful is a rib fracture? Personally, I have never experienced a fracture, but I have treated many patients with rib fractures. I can say that most rib fractures are very painful, especially those where the fracture site stimulates the nerve, causing severe pain, even unbearable enough to make one cry out. Generally speaking, with rib fractures, most people are in so much pain that they dare not cough or even take deep breaths. Some patients can barely get up once lying down, as any movement during the process can cause intense pain. There are also cases where patients have difficulty lying back down after getting up, experiencing significant pain in the process. Essentially, any activity that involves moving the fractured area is avoided due to the pain, which highlights how painful rib fractures can be.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Is the fracture serious?

A fracture is when the integrity and continuity of the bone is compromised, resulting in symptoms such as pain, swelling, limited mobility, and deformity. The severity of a fracture depends on the extent of bone displacement, the location of the fracture, and whether there is associated damage to vital organs, blood vessels, or nerves. If the fracture is a simple one with minor displacement, it generally is not very serious. Appropriate repositioning can be selected, followed by brace support or plaster cast external fixation to facilitate bone healing. If the fracture is accompanied by significant damage to important blood vessels, nerves, or organs, and there are multiple fractures, this type of fracture is considered more serious. It could lead to shock from bleeding caused by the fracture, which can be life-threatening.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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How is a fracture treated?

The treatment of fractures involves three main principles: reduction, fixation, and functional exercise. First and foremost, a perfect reduction is required after a fracture. If the alignment of the fracture is not satisfactory, the fracture may require either closed or open reduction. After a successful closed reduction, if the fracture position is stable, fixation should be considered. Generally, following a successful closed reduction, a local application of a cast or splint can be done for external fixation. If the results of closed reduction are not satisfactory, surgical open reduction may be needed. In such cases, internal fixation, possibly with steel plates, steel pins, or intramedullary nails among other methods, is necessary. These first two points cover the need for reduction and effective fixation—including both external and internal fixation. After proper fixation, the fracture can gradually heal. During the healing process, active functional exercises are needed to prevent muscle atrophy and joint adhesion. To avoid disuse of the limb, muscle atrophy after removing the cast, whether it be a leg or an arm, functional exercises are imperative. Thus, the three principles of fracture treatment are reduction, fixation, and functional exercise, requiring professional care by medical experts in accredited hospitals.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Does a rib fracture hurt?

The rib area is rich in nerves, and the human body has a total of 24 ribs, so there are more than 20 intercostal nerves. Therefore, the local pain is very obvious after a rib fracture. The pain may become apparent with breathing and movements of the thoracic cage. Sometimes, especially when changing body positions, the pain can be very significant. Occasionally, coughing, sneezing, or performing other actions that increase abdominal pressure can cause marked pain. Thus, the pain from a rib fracture is quite pronounced and very severe.

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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.