How long is the hospital stay for a bone fracture?

Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
Updated on September 13, 2024
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A bone fissure, a type of fracture, often suggests hospitalization for observation for two to four weeks. After imaging shows no significant displacement of the fissure, appropriate fixation can be applied, followed by discharge and regular follow-up visits. One and a half months after the fissure, exercises for flexion and extension of the joints adjacent to the fracture can be started, accompanied by oral medication, bone-setting, calcium supplementation, and drugs to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. One month after hospitalization, the stability of the fissure is not yet completely reliable. It usually takes one and a half to three months for the stability to gradually improve and to ensure that there is no possibility of displacement reoccurring.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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What should not be eaten with a bone fracture?

Patients with bone fractures should avoid consuming spicy and stimulating foods such as chili peppers, as well as high-fat, high-calorie foods like fatty meats, cream, barbecue, and fried foods. They should also avoid high-sugar foods like various sweet treats with high sugar content, and overly salty foods, as these can be detrimental to the healing of fractures. Additionally, it is advised that patients with bone fractures should not smoke or drink alcohol. Following a fracture, it is beneficial to include more high-quality protein and vitamin-rich foods in their diet, such as milk, eggs, beans, chicken, fish, various fresh vegetables, and fruits, as these foods are favorable for the recovery of bone fractures.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Can you move with a bone fracture?

Patients with fractures must absolutely avoid activity, as premature movement before callus formation can impede the growth of the fracture and even lead to the possibility of misalignment at the fracture site, which would be problematic. To promote quick recovery from a fracture, it is essential to rigorously use supports, plaster casts, or splints for external fixation. Only after callus formation can the external fixation be removed. Then, heat washing can be used to strengthen joint flexion and extension movements to restore normal joint mobility and, thereby, normal function in the patient.

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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 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 Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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How to care for a bone fracture?

For patients with bone fractures, it is fortunate if there is no displacement. They must strictly use orthopedic casts or splints for external fixation. This effectively prevents the possibility of displacement at the fracture site and aids in the healing of the fracture. For patients with significant swelling, try to elevate the affected limb to facilitate venous return and reduce swelling. Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs, drugs that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, and drugs that promote fracture healing is appropriate. In terms of diet, nutrition should be enhanced, and spicy and irritating foods should be avoided, as well as smoking and alcohol, as these can affect the healing of fractures.