What’s the difference between a fracture and broken bone?
A fracture and broken bone are the same things. Most people have at least two fractures during their lifetime.
Children are apt to break their bones because of their high rates of activity. As you age, your bones become brittle and are more likely to break when subjected to an extreme force, such as a fall or blow.
What are the types of fractures?
Orthopedists categorize fractures into four main categories based on the injury’s characteristics:
- Displaced — bone snaps into two or more parts that move out of alignment
- Non-displaced — bone snaps partially or fully but doesn’t move out of alignment
- Open — bone breaks and pierces the skin but may not be visible
- Closed — bone breaks but does not pierce the skin
Fractures are also divided into subtypes:
- Comminuted — a bone broken into many pieces
- Transverse — a break perpendicular to the bone length
- Oblique — a break on an angle
- Stress — a hairline crack in the bone
- Pathologic — a disease weakens the bones or makes them brittle
What are the symptoms of a fracture?
When you’ve had an accident, you can’t always tell if you’ve broken a bone or just sprained or strained your ligaments or tendons. For example, a stress fracture may be asymptomatic, so you may not feel any pain.
The signs and symptoms of a broken bone include:
- Pain that worsens with touch or movement
- Swelling or bruising
- Loss of function
- Protruding bone
- Deformity
- Numbness
- Tingling
During your physical exam, expect Dr. Cohen to use X-rays, CT scans, or bone scans to diagnose your fracture accurately.
How does an orthopedist treat fractures?
Each type of fracture requires slightly different treatment, though Dr. Cohen will likely immobilize your fracture with a splint or cast.
He might also accelerate the healing of your broken bone with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. If you have an open fracture, he’ll also clean out any infected tissues.
Displaced fractures must be repositioned and held in proper alignment, a procedure known as reduction. Dr. Cohen performs a closed (no surgery) or open reductions (with surgery). During open reduction, he may secure your bones with metal pins, plates, screws, or rods.
If you think you have a fracture, receive a firm diagnosis and treatment at an emergency room or Aventura Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. You can reach Dr. Cohen by reaching his helpful staff by phone or booking an appointment online.
