Symptoms of bone fracture

Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Bone fracture, as the name suggests, is a type of fracture characterized by a crack in the bone. Since it is a fracture, it shares all the common characteristics of fractures. Firstly, there is pain. The pain at the site of the bone fracture is very evident. Secondly, there is swelling. Local swelling should also be very apparent. Although it might be less severe than general displaced fractures, it is more pronounced than the swelling from soft tissue contusions. Thirdly, there is limited functionality. After a bone fracture, due to severe pain, sometimes, as the continuity of the bone is interrupted, the lever action of the bone may be reduced or lost, hence, the patient's limb movement will be restricted. Additionally, fractures have two characteristic complications: abnormal movement, and bone crepitus or bone friction sensation. Another possible sign is deformity. However, because patients with bone cracks often do not have noticeable displacement, deformity is not significant. However, during a physical examination of the patient, bone crepitus or bone friction sensation might be detectable. Yet, due to the lack of significant displacement, it is not necessary to forcefully elicit these signs. In cases where there is evident pain, swelling, and restricted activity, bone fracture should be suspected and it is advised that the patient should promptly visit a hospital for radiographic confirmation to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Is the bone fracture serious?

Is a bone fracture serious? First, it needs to be clarified that a bone fracture is indeed very serious. This indicates that the external force involved at the time was quite strong, disrupting the continuity and integrity of the local bone. It usually manifests as local swelling, pain, and restricted movement. Some patients may experience extensive subcutaneous bruising, and even a low fever, so a bone fracture is indeed very serious. For such patients, active treatment with plaster cast immobilization is necessary, elevating the affected limb, and using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, as well as drugs that promote fracture healing.

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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.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Post-fracture sequelae

For the sequelae of bone fractures, usually, patients who have sustained a fracture will not have sequelae if they actively cooperate with treatment. However, if treatment is improper, a series of sequelae can easily occur, with the most common manifestations being the following. First, after the fracture, if there is no active and strict attention to rest, protection, and immobilization, later muscle traction can cause displacement at the site of the fracture, leading to deformity healing and affecting the patient's normal function. Second, after a fracture, due to prolonged inactivity, the joints may become stiff and the muscles may contract. When it becomes possible to exercise later, patients may exercise insufficiently due to fear of pain, resulting in very poor joint mobility, which affects the normal function of the patient. Third, for fractures in some special areas, such as a femoral tibial fracture, this may lead to avascular necrosis of the femoral head in patients.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Can I apply heat to a bone fracture?

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 Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Can a fracture be moved?

Bone fractures, as the name suggests, refers to a crack-like fracture in a bone. Although it is a simple fracture and the bones are not obviously displaced, maintaining proper alignment is still important. However, a fracture does represent a change in the continuity of the bone. If effective repositioning and fixation are not carried out, displacement of the fracture can occur. Therefore, it is generally advised for patients to use a cast or a brace for external fixation. If the patient moves frequently without effective fixation, the crack fracture may develop into a displaced fracture. Once a displacement occurs, it can become complicated, potentially requiring surgical treatment. Therefore, patients with bone fractures are advised to rest and avoid vigorous activities, and to ensure effective repositioning and fixation.