Post-fracture sequelae

Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 21, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
50sec home-news-image

What should you pay attention to with a bone fracture?

A bone fissure is actually a type of fracture, characterized by a crack in the cortical bone, yet the overall stability of the bone remains intact. Even with a fissure, treatment similar to that for fractures should be implemented: immobilization and appropriate cold therapy in the early stages to aid in healing. After immobilization, it is crucial to limit excessive movement to prevent the stable fracture from becoming unstable. During immobilization, attention must be paid to the circulation around the fracture site and the mobility of joints in adjacent areas of the limb. If severe swelling occurs, along with restricted movement of neighboring limbs, symptoms of compartment syndrome may be present. Therefore, it is essential to be vigilant about circulation and sensory changes in the affected area.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
38sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
48sec home-news-image

Does a bone fracture hurt?

Patients with bone fractures will experience pain. This is because local bleeding occurs after the fracture, along with congestion and edema of the soft tissues, which stimulates the surrounding nerves, causing pain. Therefore, it is accurate to say fractures can cause pain. Common pain relief methods require strict rest and protection of the affected area to prevent micro-movements of the fracture ends. If the fracture ends do move, they can stimulate the surrounding nerves, making the pain difficult to alleviate. Additionally, the use of pain relief drugs can help ease the patient's pain. Furthermore, patients should avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and abstain from smoking and alcohol, as these can affect the healing of the fracture.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
46sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
52sec home-news-image

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.