If you are looking for fracture treatment in Chennai, Bharath Orthopaedics provides all types of fracture treatment from sports injury to displaced bone fracture. Our specialists establish the most satisfying patient-doctor relationships to bring out faster recovery. We treat from simple fractures to complex spinal injuries, from newborns to older people.
What is a Fracture?
A fracture refers to a break or crack in a bone, often caused by trauma, overuse, or medical conditions like osteoporosis. It can range from a minor crack to a complete break. The key types of fractures include:
- Closed Fracture: The bone breaks but doesn’t pierce the skin.
- Open Fracture: The bone breaks through the skin, increasing infection risk.
- Stress Fracture: Tiny cracks due to repetitive strain.
- Comminuted Fracture: The bone shatters into multiple pieces.
Proper fracture treatment is vital for healing, with options like immobilization, surgery, or physical therapy. Immediate Fracture Treatment in Chennai can prevent complications.
Symptoms and Signs of Fractures
- Pain: Intense and immediate pain at the site of the fracture, which worsens with movement or pressure.
- Swelling: Swelling around the affected area due to inflammation and fluid accumulation.
- Bruising: Discoloration or bruising around the fracture site caused by internal bleeding.
- Deformity: Visible deformity or misalignment of the limb or joint, indicating a severe or displaced fracture.
- Inability to Move: Difficulty or inability to move the affected limb or joint, often accompanied by pain.
- Tenderness: Extreme tenderness when touching or pressing on the fracture site.
- Crepitus: A grating or crackling sound or sensation when the fractured bones rub against each other.
- Loss of Function: Impaired function of the affected area, such as inability to bear weight or use the limb.
- Numbness: Numbness or tingling around the fracture, possibly due to nerve damage.
- Open Wound: In the case of an open (compound) fracture, the bone may protrude through the skin, creating an open wound and increasing the risk of infection.
Causes of Bone Fractures
- Trauma: High-impact events such as falls, car accidents, sports injuries, and physical assaults can cause bones to break.
- Overuse: Repetitive motions and stress, particularly in athletes, can lead to stress fractures over time.
- Osteoporosis: This condition weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures even from minor falls or stresses.
- Medical Conditions: Diseases such as bone cancer, cysts, and infections can weaken bones and make them more prone to fractures.
- Age: Elderly individuals are at higher risk due to decreased bone density and balance issues, increasing the likelihood of falls and fractures.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D can lead to weakened bones and higher fracture risk.
- Physical Activities: High-risk activities like contact sports, extreme sports, and heavy physical labor increase the likelihood of fractures.
- Congenital Conditions: Genetic disorders like osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease) cause bones to be unusually fragile and prone to breaking.
- Obesity: Excess body weight can put additional stress on bones, particularly in the lower extremities, increasing the risk of fractures.
- Environmental Factors: Slippery surfaces, poor lighting, and unsafe work environments can contribute to accidents resulting in bone fractures.
Types of Fractures
There is a range of fracture types that include:
- Avulsion Fracture: If the ligament or tendon pulls part of the bone off.
- Closed, or Open Fractures: Closed fracture is if the injury breaks open the skin, and if the skin does open it is an open or compound fracture.
- Comminuted Fracture: The bone gets shattered into several pieces.
- Complete Fractures: If the breakthrough the bone completely separates into two.
- Compression (crush) Fracture: The bone gets shattered or crushed.
- Displaced Fractures: There would be a gap formed when the bone breaks and it can be mostly fixed by getting the fracture treatment in Chennai.
- Greenstick Fracture: when the bone partly fractures causing a bend but it does not break completely. Children who have softer bones with more elasticity often undergo treatment for this type of fracture.
- Hairline Fracture: the fracture of the bone is partial, and it’s hard to detect using routine X-rays.
- Impacted Fracture: One fragment of a bone gets driven together or goes into another when the bone is fractured.
- Intraarticular Fracture: The break extends into the surface of the joint.
- Longitudinal Fracture: The break is along with the bone’s length.
- Oblique Fracture: The break is diagonal across the bone or to a bone’s long axis.
- Partial Fractures: The break or fracture doesn’t go all the way through the bone.
- Pathological Fracture: The bone gets weakened due to pathological conditions like underlying disease or condition which results in a fracture.
- Spiral Fracture: The fracture spirals or twists around the bone.
- Stress Fracture: The bone breaks through repeated stresses or it gets cracked in and most of the time gets tough to the image. It is more common among athletes or sportspersons who require fracture treatment in Chennai.
- Torus (Buckle) Fracture: It is painful when the bone gets deformed, but it does not crack. It occurs mostly among children.
- Transverse Fracture: The break has a straight break or it is a straight line across the bone.
Diagnosis and Tests of Fracture Treatment
The diagnostic tests taken by the orthodoctor before performing the fracture treatment in Chennai include:
Diagnostic Tests
- Physical Examination: The first step in diagnosing a fracture is a physical examination. The doctor will examine the affected area for signs of swelling, bruising, tenderness, and deformity. They may also check the range of motion and strength of the affected limb.
- X-rays: X-rays are the most commonly used diagnostic tool for fractures. They can detect even small cracks or breaks in bones. X-rays are quick, painless, and non-invasive.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI is a diagnostic test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures. An MRI taken during the fracture treatment in Chennai can provide more detailed information than X-rays, especially for complex fractures or soft tissue injuries.
- CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: A CT scan uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed images of bones and soft tissues. CT scans are particularly useful in identifying complex fractures that may be difficult to diagnose with X-rays.
Treatment of Bone Fractures
Effective fracture treatment depends on the type and severity of the break:
- Casting or Splinting: Immobilization with a cast or splint to allow the bone to heal naturally.
- Traction: Using weights to gently pull the bone into alignment.
- Surgery: In severe cases, metal rods, plates, or screws may be used to hold bones in place.
- Physical Therapy: Post-healing, therapy is essential for restoring strength and mobility.
For expert care, Fracture Treatment in Chennai offers comprehensive approaches to ensure proper healing.
Operation Procedure for Bone Fractures
The procedure for fracture treatment in Chennai especially for bones depends on the severity of the injury. In general, the first step is to immobilize the affected area with a splint or cast. This helps to prevent further damage and promotes healing. Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medications might also be prescribed.
A cast that is made of plaster of Paris is used to immobilize a limb. This cast is made from prepared gypsum to set hard when water is added. The surgical procedures may vary depending on the location and severity of the fracture. For more severe fractures, surgery may be necessary to realign and stabilize the bone. This may involve the use of pins, plates, screws, or rods to hold the bone in place.
Open or Compound Fractures
In the operating room, during the fracture treatment in Chennai, the affected area is meticulously cleansed to eliminate debris prior to setting the broken bone, as an exposed fracture can lead to infection.
Closed or Simple Fractures
The two fractured bone ends are aligned and immobilized after the limb is wrapped with bandages, the wet plaster is applied. In some cases, the cast may be divided into two halves and re-wrapped on the exterior after the plaster has dried. This enables any potential swelling to occur.
Long Bones
Keeping long bones, like the femur, properly aligned can be challenging. For adults, internal nailing is a common treatment method. However, for children, traction may be necessary for a few days before the bone can be set in a cast.
Once the bone ends begin to exhibit signs of healing, the hip joint and leg are immobilized using a plaster of Paris cast. Alternatively, pins may be inserted above and below the fracture and attached to an external fixator frame performed under general anesthesia.
After fracture treatment in Chennai, physical therapy may be recommended to help restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the affected area. Follow-up appointments with a doctor or orthopaedic specialist may also be necessary to monitor healing and ensure proper recovery.
Immediately After an Operation on a Bone Fracture
Immediately after the fracture treatment in Chennai, the patient will typically be monitored closely in a recovery area until they are stable enough to be moved to a hospital room or sent home. The length of this monitoring period can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s overall health.
During this time, the patient’s vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels, will be closely monitored to ensure they are stable. Pain management medications may also be administered as needed to keep the patient comfortable.
Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, the affected limb may be immobilized with a cast, splint, or brace. This is designed to protect the bone as it heals and may need to be worn for several weeks or months, depending on the nature of the injury.
Physical therapy may also be initiated soon after the fracture treatment in Chennai to help prevent complications and promote healing. This may include exercises to improve range of motion and strength, as well as techniques to improve circulation and prevent blood clots.
The patient will also be given instructions on how to care for the affected area, such as how to keep the incision site clean and dry, and how to monitor for signs of infection. Follow-up appointments with the doctor or surgeon will be scheduled to monitor the patient’s progress and ensure that the bone is healing properly.
Healing Process for Bone Fractures
The healing process for bone fractures after fracture treatment in Chennai typically involves several stages. Immediately after a fracture, a blood clot forms around the break, which sets the stage for the formation of new bone tissue.
Over the next few days and weeks, new blood vessels begin to grow into the area around the fracture, providing the necessary nutrients and oxygen for bone cells to multiply and repair the damage. A soft callus made up of cartilage and collagen then forms around the fracture, gradually hardening over time.
As the callus becomes stronger, the bone begins to knit back together, and the fracture site becomes more stable. This process of fracture treatment in Chennai can take several weeks or months, depending on the severity of the injury and the overall health of the patient.
Once the fracture has healed, physical therapy may be recommended to help restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the affected area. This may include exercises to improve muscle tone and endurance, as well as techniques to improve circulation and prevent blood clots.
Over time, the bone will continue to remodel itself, gradually becoming stronger and more resilient. However, it’s important to note that some fractures may never fully heal and may require ongoing treatment and management to prevent further damage or complications.
Other Fracture Treatment Procedures Followed
- Pain Management
- Non-surgical immobilization
- POP or lightweight POP application
- Fracture reduction
- Internal or external fixation
- Physiotherapy treatment
Prevention
Preventing fractures is key to maintaining bone health. Some preventive measures include:
- Maintain Bone Strength: Ensure a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D for healthy bones.
- Exercise Regularly: Weight-bearing exercises strengthen bones and improve balance.
- Avoid Falls: Keep home environments safe by removing hazards that could cause falls.
- Wear Protective Gear: Use protective equipment during sports or physical activities.
- Address Medical Conditions: Manage conditions like osteoporosis to prevent fractures.
Taking these steps can minimize the need for fracture treatment, but if an injury occurs, Fracture Treatment in Chennai provides advanced care.
First Aid for Bone Fractures
Proper first aid before professional fracture treatment is crucial:
- Immobilize the Area: Keep the fractured area stable using a splint or sling.
- Apply Ice: To reduce swelling and pain, apply ice to the affected area.
- Elevate: Raise the fractured limb to reduce swelling.
- Stop Bleeding: For open fractures, use a clean cloth to apply pressure to control bleeding.
- Avoid Movement: Do not try to realign the bone.
Seek immediate Fracture Treatment in Chennai for professional medical care and to prevent further injury.
Complications of Bone Fractures
Bone fractures, if not properly treated, can lead to complications, including:
- Delayed Healing: Fractures may take longer to heal if improperly treated.
- Infection: Especially with open fractures, the risk of infection is higher.
- Nerve Damage: Bone fragments can damage surrounding nerves.
- Impaired Mobility: Improper healing may lead to long-term joint or muscle stiffness.
- Blood Vessel Damage: Severe fractures can damage blood vessels, leading to internal bleeding.
- Arthritis: Post-traumatic arthritis can develop in the affected joints.
Timely fracture treatment helps mitigate these risks, especially when handled by experts in Fracture Treatment in Chennai.
Conclusion
If you or your dear ones are prone to fractures, you can approach Bharath Orthopaedics to get a comprehensive and advanced fracture treatment in Chennai because Dr. Bharath along with his experts provides more treatment options using cutting-edge techniques depending on each patient’s unique needs ensuring the best outcomes and long-term success.
Read also: Joint Replacement Surgery.