Comminuted fracture is actually a type of a broken bone. In a comminuted fracture the bone is broken in at least two pieces. Mostly comminuted fractures occur due to severe types of traumas such as car accidents. You may also need to repair your bone with the help of surgery. It is also possible that recovery may take a little bit longer to heal. Doctors at pain management clinic can make use of hardware such as screws and rods to join the pieces of bone. Moreover, these remain in your bones in a permanent way. So, it is better for everybody to know about the causes, symptoms and treatment of the comminuted fractures.
Causes of Comminuted Fractures
Comminuted fractures can occur due to many reasons. Some of them are as given below.
Trauma: Motor vehicle accidents, a fall, or tackle during a football game can all lead to fractures.
Osteoporosis: Due to this type of disorder, bones become weak and make them more vulnerable to break.
Overuse: Recurring motion can make your muscles tire and exert more pressure and force on the bone. This can lead to stress fractures. Stress fractures mostly occur in athletes.
Car Accidents: The car accident at high speed can result in trauma to the body which mostly includes broken bones.
Falls: When a person falls from a significant height can lead to fractures which mostly includes comminuted fractures. This mostly occurs in older adults who have weaker bones.
Sports Injuries: High impact activities such as basketball, football, and soccer can lead to comminuted fractures when they face severe fall or blow.
Workplace Injuries: Work that needs to perform at heights along with heavy lifting can enhance the risk of fractures which include comminuted fractures.
Violence: Action of violence and assaults can also lead to comminuted fractures.
Symptoms
Pain near the broken bones is considered one of the most significant symptoms of a comminuted fracture. The pain could be more severe and intense which may rely on the case of how many places have been broken, like if a person continuously walks on a broken leg, might also result in worsening of pain. But there could be other symptoms which may occur along with pain.
- bruising on the skin above the break
- lack of sensation near the breakage of the bone
- lack of sensation near the break
- Unable to move the affected body part without stiffness or intense pain
- the affected body part, like leg or an arm being at an unusual angle
Diagnosis of the Comminuted Fractures
Doctors at the pain clinic Fort Worth may perform different tests to find the exact location and the severity of the problem in the bones. Some of the tests are as given below.
-
X-rays
X-ray is used to analyze any fracture or comminuted fracture and reveal the level of damage to the bones.
-
MRI
MRI is also an important test to confirm and reach the root level of damage to the bones and the area present around it. So, this test helps in finding any damage not only to bones but also to tissues as well. Moreover, this is particularly important to find the effect of any injury or trauma to connective tissues, and muscles.
-
CT-Scan
CT-scan is also very important and valuable as it also helps doctors in reaching the root of the problem by giving a detailed picture as compared to X-ray.
Treatment of Comminuted Fractures
The treatment of the comminuted fracture mostly depends on the root cause of the problem and the severity and intensity of the problem. Generally, treatment for this type of fracture may include,
-
Immobilization
Sometimes, doctors may use a splint or a cast to help bones in healing along with immobilizing the affected limbs.
-
Surgery
If the damage to the bones is severe then the doctor may recommend surgery for the healing of the broken bones and restoration of the functionality of the affected limb. In surgery, plates and screws are used to keep the bones in one place during the healing.
-
Pain Management
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are best painkillers which are present over the counter to reduce inflammation and manage pain. There are also present other stronger pain relievers which may also help to treat more severe pain.
-
Physical Therapy
Once the bone becomes stable in its place then physical therapy is the best option to help the bones in providing mobility, strength, and range of motion to the affected limb.
-
Rest and Recovery
Most important thing is to take rest and don’t force the affected bone to perform any activity as it can exert extra pressure on the bones which may worsen the condition. Depending on the severity of the problem on the fracture, recovery can take time from a few weeks to several months.
-
Follow-up Care
Regular follow-up is very necessary as it ensures that bone is in its good condition along with proper healing and to monitor any type of complications.
Conclusion
In order to restore functional ability and proper healing of the bone and the affected limb, comminuted fractures may need appropriate treatment and proper medical attention. Diagnostic tests are very important in order to confirm the level of damage and the possibility of the injury. Treatment options may include physical therapy, immobilization, surgery, pain management, and follow-up. An essential part of the recovery process is rehabilitation, which includes exercises, manual therapy, and assistive devices. Many patients who suffer from comminuted fractures can recover fully with proper diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.