Principles of Fracture Treatment

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on September 28, 2024
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A fracture refers to the disruption of the integrity and continuity of a bone, characterized by local pain, swelling, and limited mobility. In the early stages of a fracture, it is necessary to reposition and immobilize the affected area, and apply cold compresses to reduce local swelling. After the swelling has subsided, the treatment method is chosen based on the degree of displacement of the fracture. Options include internal fixation with open reduction, internal plate fixation of the fracture, or the use of plaster or braces for stabilization. In the case of an open fracture, the exposed wound must be cleaned immediately, and appropriate stabilization should be provided to prevent infection.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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How long before a rib fracture stops hurting?

Regarding the question of how long it takes for rib fractures to stop hurting, usually, for patients with rib fractures, the pain gradually subsides after about two weeks. This is because around two weeks is the period when the fracture site reaches the fibrous connection stage, making it relatively stable, which therefore alleviates the pain. For patients with rib fractures in the early stages, if the diagnosis is clear, severe pain can be relieved by orally taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or by receiving pain relief injections. Additionally, it is crucial to closely monitor the vital signs of patients with rib fractures, as rib fractures often occur alongside lung contusions and the accumulation of fluid or air in the chest cavity. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Symptoms of secondary lumbar vertebral fracture

It usually manifests as the patient experiencing significant lower back pain symptoms, and limited mobility in the lower back area, inhibiting walking. When the fracture is severe, it can cause damage to the patient's spinal nerves or cauda equina nerves, resulting in numbness, weakness, and pain in one or both lower limbs, and even weakness in extending the big toe or the ankle. The patient may feel a sensation of heat in the perineal region, and abnormalities in urination and defecation may occur, which in severe cases can lead to complete paralysis. These are common clinical symptoms of secondary lumbar spine fractures. Usually, a diagnosis can be confirmed with a regular X-ray, a local CT scan, and magnetic resonance imaging.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Symptoms of toe fracture

The symptoms of a toe fracture primarily include pain, swelling, and limited mobility. If there is a noticeable displacement of the fracture ends, a typical deformity can also occur. For the treatment of toe fractures, conservative treatment such as casting or using a brace may be sufficient if it is a simple linear fracture without significant misalignment of the fracture ends. However, if there is substantial shortening, rotation, separation, or if the fracture is comminuted, surgical treatment is required. During surgery, the fracture ends are repositioned through an incision. After repositioning, a Kirschner wire is used to internally fixate the fracture ends, allowing the bone to heal in the proper alignment without leaving any deformity. This describes the surgical treatment method.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Symptoms of fractures

Patients with fractures typically exhibit marked pain symptoms locally, accompanied by local swelling and limited movement. Some patients may also present with fever as a clinical symptom. There might be clear signs of bone crepitus and a sensation of bone rubbing on palpation. In severe cases, deformities or abnormal movement may occur, which are common clinical symptoms of fractures. For the diagnosis of fractures, it is necessary to actively take a regular X-ray. For some occult fractures, it is essential to conduct a CT scan and three-dimensional reconstructive CT to confirm the diagnosis.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Fracture symptoms

After a patient suffers a fracture, they generally experience common symptoms associated with the injury, such as pain and swelling at the site of the fracture, which are common symptoms that can appear with all injuries. At the same time, there are some symptoms specific to fractures, which include three distinct symptoms: First, deformity, meaning the external appearance of the fracture patient will change; Second, the sound and sensation of bone rubbing, for example, after a limb fracture, the two broken ends may produce a rubbing sound or sensation; Third, abnormal movement, meaning that after the fracture, the site of the fracture will exhibit a level of mobility and range of motion that is abnormal. These are the three specific symptoms of fracture patients.