Is the bone fracture serious?

Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 26, 2024
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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 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.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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How long is the hospital stay for a bone fracture?

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 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 Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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How to treat an old fracture?

The concept of a bone fissure refers to a condition where the bone is not completely broken but is partially cracked, known as a fissure. The treatment for a bone fissure generally involves plaster fixation, typically for a duration of four to six weeks. However, an old injury refers to a chronic fissure that has been present for three weeks or more. If the fissure is three weeks old, it should continue to be immobilized with plaster, avoiding weight-bearing walking and activities. Plaster fixation can gradually allow the fracture ends to heal. If after four to six weeks, or even two months, the fracture ends have not healed, further surgical treatment may be required.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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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.