Is the fracture serious?

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on December 25, 2024
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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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Symptoms of rib fracture

After a rib fracture, the main symptom is pain. This is because the intercostal nerves located in the rib area are very rich, making the pain quite intense. Especially when the patient coughs or sneezes, and when the abdominal pressure increases, the pain can get quite severe. Also, when the patient changes their position, such as moving from sitting to lying down, or from lying down to sitting up to standing, the pain is very apparent. Additionally, another sign that may appear is local crepitus or a sensation of bone rubbing. That is, when pressing with a hand, one might feel the rubbing of the fractured bone and hear a crackling sound under the hand. Moreover, a rib fracture could lead to the accumulation of fluid or air in the chest cavity. If there is fluid or air in the chest cavity, it can be accompanied by difficulties in breathing and poor respiratory function, shortness of breath, and other related symptoms. These are some common symptoms of rib fractures.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Does a fracture hurt?

Fractures refer to the disruption of the continuity and integrity of the bone, which can lead to symptoms such as localized pain, swelling, deformity, and even limited mobility. Therefore, pain is a primary symptom of fractures. Due to the displacement of fracture ends and the irritation of nerves around the periosteum, severe pain can occur. After a fracture, it is important to immobilize the affected area to avoid exacerbating the symptoms during transportation or movement, and immobilization can also help reduce localized pain.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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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.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Fracture symptoms

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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Written by Lv Yao
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How to exercise with a patellar fracture?

After a patella fracture, it is necessary to fix and immobilize the patella for some time. During the immobilization, knee joint stiffness may occur, affecting the flexion and extension movements of the knee. Therefore, while treating a patella fracture, it is also important to guide the patient in functional exercises. For example, during the early stages of immobilization, the patient can actively contract the quadriceps femoris and the triceps surae to prevent thrombosis. This muscle exercise can also help avoid muscle atrophy. Additionally, patients can be instructed to dorsally extend the ankle joint to strengthen the ankle pump training and avoid ankle stiffness. Once the fracture is stabilized, the patient can sit beside the bed and let the knee bend naturally. When close to the bed, the knee can bend up to ninety degrees. If natural bending is difficult, the healthy limb can be used to push the injured limb closer to the bed, allowing the knee to bend to ninety degrees. After reaching ninety degrees, it might be appropriate to use crutches for walking activities. If bending beyond ninety degrees is necessary, the patient should lie flat on the bed, hug the thigh of the injured limb with both hands, flex the hip joint, and then allow the knee joint to bend through gravity beyond ninety degrees, approaching the normal range.