Does a fracture hurt?

Written by Li Jie

Orthopedics

Updated on September 13, 2024

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A fracture is an interruption in the continuity of a bone. After a fracture, there is significant bleeding at the site, along with bruising of the soft tissues nearby, including bleeding from blood vessels and bruising of muscles and tendons. Because these soft tissues are rich in nerves, the pain at the site of the fracture can be very severe. Pain is a primary symptom for patients with fractures. Other symptoms may include swelling, limitation of joint movement, potential deformities, and changes in the local shape. Pain, deformity, and limited function are the three common signs seen in patients with fractures.

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What does a fracture feel like?

The feeling of a fracture, first and foremost, the most important clinical manifestation is pain. Of course, the intensity of the pain is related to the type of fracture. Generally, incomplete fractures or greenstick fractures are not as painful, but if the fracture is displaced, comminuted, or other types, the pain is more pronounced. The second manifestation is swelling; the area of the fracture will show obvious swelling and become quite enlarged. The third is tenderness, which means that touching or pressing on the area will result in noticeable pain. Fourth, there is a significant restriction of movement in the joints adjacent to the fracture site.

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Symptoms of fractures

Patients with fractures typically exhibit marked pain symptoms locally, accompanied by local swelling and limited movement. Some patients may also present with fever as a clinical symptom. There might be clear signs of bone crepitus and a sensation of bone rubbing on palpation. In severe cases, deformities or abnormal movement may occur, which are common clinical symptoms of fractures. For the diagnosis of fractures, it is necessary to actively take a regular X-ray. For some occult fractures, it is essential to conduct a CT scan and three-dimensional reconstructive CT to confirm the diagnosis.

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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.

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Written by Zhang Ying Peng

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How long to stay in bed with a rib fracture?

Rib fractures are very common clinically. After a rib fracture, it is necessary to rest in bed, immobilize, and reduce activity, otherwise excessive pulling of the ribs will cause pain. Generally, the bed rest period is about 10-14 days. Generally, after two weeks of treatment, the ribs will form fibrous connections and no longer cause severe pain. After two weeks, appropriate activity out of bed can be resumed. At the same time, oral antibiotics can be taken to prevent infection, as well as medications that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis to enhance the absorption of the hematoma.

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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.