Can I apply heat to a bone fracture?

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Bone fissures clinically are referred to as hairline fractures, which are cracks appearing in the bone cortex. However, the stability of the bone still exists, and conservative treatment can be chosen, utilizing limb supports or plaster for external fixation to facilitate the healing of the fracture. During the acute phase of the bone condition, we do not recommend applying heat, but suggest cold compresses instead, to reduce bleeding and alleviate swelling. After the acute phase, appropriate heat application can be considered to promote circulation around the area, thereby aiding the healing of the fracture fissures and the fracture itself.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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What is the best treatment for a bone fracture?

A bone fissure, also known as a crack fracture, involves only a cortical crack, with no significant compromise to the bone's firmness and stability. Therefore, conservative treatment can be chosen for a crack fracture, using supports or external fixation to promote healing and recovery of the fracture. However, during the external fixation process, it is crucial to monitor the limb's blood circulation and sensation to prevent symptoms associated with high pressure in the basement membrane.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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How long does a bone fracture need to rest?

A bone fissure is actually a type of bone fracture, which refers to the presence of a crack in the cortical bone, but the stability of the bone remains. Bone fissures also require immobilization and rest to promote healing of the fracture. Generally, healing of a bone fissure takes about 8-12 weeks. However, this can vary based on the specific location of the fracture, the blood supply to the fracture site, and the presence of injuries to other areas, among other factors. Therefore, the typical rest period for a bone fissure is about three months.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Can a bone fracture heal by itself?

A bone fissure is actually a type of fracture where there is a crack in the cortical bone, but the stability of the bone is maintained. Symptoms of a bone fissure can include pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Therefore, it should be treated like a fracture, for example, by properly immobilizing and resting the area which can promote the healing of the fracture. As long as proper immobilization and rest are ensured, a bone fissure can heal on its own. However, it is crucial to monitor the blood supply around the fracture and the swelling to avoid symptoms of compartment syndrome. It is also important to pay attention to the joints at the distal end of the affected limb to prevent joint stiffness after prolonged immobilization.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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How to treat a fracture?

Patients with bone fractures, due to the force applied causing partial fractures in the bone, do not necessarily represent a complete break and won’t exhibit noticeable symptoms of displacement or misalignment. Generally, patients with bone fractures only require a plaster cast for immobilization, typically for about four weeks. After a month, you can visit the hospital to get an X-ray to check for osseous union at the fracture ends. If the fracture ends have achieved osseous union, then normal activities and weight-bearing walking can be resumed. Thus, for bone fractures, simply applying a plaster cast for immobilization for four weeks is sufficient.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Will a bone fracture be painful?

A bone fissure is actually a type of fracture, which refers to a fracture where there is a crack in the cortical bone, but the stability of the bone remains intact. Symptoms of a bone fissure include pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Treatment for a bone fissure should follow the same protocols as for fractures, such as appropriate immobilization, early local cold compresses to reduce swelling, and alleviating the severity of pain and swelling. Therefore, pain is present when a bone fissure occurs, as it is a type of fracture. During treatment, it is important to monitor for disturbances in sensory and blood circulation in the limbs, particularly the extremities. Sometimes, a bone fissure can cause increased local swelling, leading to sensory and circulation disturbances in the extremities. In such cases, observation is crucial, and it is advisable to seek treatment at an orthopedic department in a reputable hospital if a bone fissure occurs.