Does a fracture hurt?

Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

Updated on October 21, 2024

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Fractures refer to the disruption of the continuity and integrity of the bone, which can lead to symptoms such as localized pain, swelling, deformity, and even limited mobility. Therefore, pain is a primary symptom of fractures. Due to the displacement of fracture ends and the irritation of nerves around the periosteum, severe pain can occur. After a fracture, it is important to immobilize the affected area to avoid exacerbating the symptoms during transportation or movement, and immobilization can also help reduce localized pain.

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

1min 22sec

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How to exercise with a patellar fracture?

After a patella fracture, it is necessary to fix and immobilize the patella for some time. During the immobilization, knee joint stiffness may occur, affecting the flexion and extension movements of the knee. Therefore, while treating a patella fracture, it is also important to guide the patient in functional exercises. For example, during the early stages of immobilization, the patient can actively contract the quadriceps femoris and the triceps surae to prevent thrombosis. This muscle exercise can also help avoid muscle atrophy. Additionally, patients can be instructed to dorsally extend the ankle joint to strengthen the ankle pump training and avoid ankle stiffness. Once the fracture is stabilized, the patient can sit beside the bed and let the knee bend naturally. When close to the bed, the knee can bend up to ninety degrees. If natural bending is difficult, the healthy limb can be used to push the injured limb closer to the bed, allowing the knee to bend to ninety degrees. After reaching ninety degrees, it might be appropriate to use crutches for walking activities. If bending beyond ninety degrees is necessary, the patient should lie flat on the bed, hug the thigh of the injured limb with both hands, flex the hip joint, and then allow the knee joint to bend through gravity beyond ninety degrees, approaching the normal range.

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Written by Li Jie

Orthopedics

55sec

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Can I take calcium tablets for a fracture?

After a fracture, there are generally several stages a person will go through. These can typically be divided into the following stages: hematoma organization stage, fibrous connection stage, initial callus stage, mature callus stage, and then the remodeling stage. During these periods, the area of the bone is undergoing a metabolic process involving both osteoclasts and osteoblasts. During this metabolic process, calcium is required, and a deficiency in calcium can affect the healing of the fracture. Therefore, it is advised that patients with fractures should take calcium supplements. Along with calcium, it is also recommended to supplement with vitamin D, which can enhance bone absorption and calcium absorption, aiding in the healing of fractures. Thus, the conclusion is that fracture patients can indeed take calcium tablets.

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Written by Li Jie

Orthopedics

1min 24sec

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How is a fracture treated?

The treatment of fractures involves three main principles: reduction, fixation, and functional exercise. First and foremost, a perfect reduction is required after a fracture. If the alignment of the fracture is not satisfactory, the fracture may require either closed or open reduction. After a successful closed reduction, if the fracture position is stable, fixation should be considered. Generally, following a successful closed reduction, a local application of a cast or splint can be done for external fixation. If the results of closed reduction are not satisfactory, surgical open reduction may be needed. In such cases, internal fixation, possibly with steel plates, steel pins, or intramedullary nails among other methods, is necessary. These first two points cover the need for reduction and effective fixation—including both external and internal fixation. After proper fixation, the fracture can gradually heal. During the healing process, active functional exercises are needed to prevent muscle atrophy and joint adhesion. To avoid disuse of the limb, muscle atrophy after removing the cast, whether it be a leg or an arm, functional exercises are imperative. Thus, the three principles of fracture treatment are reduction, fixation, and functional exercise, requiring professional care by medical experts in accredited hospitals.

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

55sec

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How to care for a patellar fracture

A patellar fracture occurs, the first step is to immobilize the patellofemoral joint. During treatment, the primary goal is to prevent the formation of lower limb thrombosis. Therefore, early on, patients can be actively guided to contract the quadriceps and calf triceps muscles, while also performing dorsiflexion and flexion exercises of the ankle joint to avoid ankle stiffness. As the condition stabilizes, a cushion can be placed under the knee joint to allow for active flexion of the knee. If the fracture has stabilized, the patient can sit at the edge of the bed and let the knee naturally flex downward. If there is difficulty, the healthy limb can be used to help push and squeeze the injured limb to achieve a flexion close to ninety degrees. Patients can also lie in bed, hug their thighs with both hands, and flex the knee joint beyond ninety degrees to enhance this type of knee exercise.

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

1min 1sec

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How to exercise with a patellar fracture?

After a patellar fracture occurs, through immobilization or surgical treatment, it's possible to actively contract the quadriceps early on to strengthen muscle exercise and avoid muscle atrophy. Ankle pump exercises can also be performed, which are beneficial for the contraction of the calf muscles in the lower limbs, can help prevent thrombosis, and aid in the recovery of function. After the removal of external fixation or once the wound has healed, one can actively flex the knee joint. For example, by sitting at the edge of the bed with the knee naturally hanging, the knee joint can be flexed to 90 degrees. If there is difficulty in bending, one can push the healthy limb backward against the injured limb to help bend the knee joint. For exercises exceeding 90 degrees, one can lie flat on the bed, then flex the hip joint while holding the thigh of the injured limb with both hands, and allow the knee joint to naturally bend through gravity. This exercise can help restore the flexion and extension functions of the knee joint.