What is the best treatment for a bone fracture?

Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

Updated on September 13, 2024

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A bone fissure, also known as a crack fracture, involves only a cortical crack, with no significant compromise to the bone's firmness and stability. Therefore, conservative treatment can be chosen for a crack fracture, using supports or external fixation to promote healing and recovery of the fracture. However, during the external fixation process, it is crucial to monitor the limb's blood circulation and sensation to prevent symptoms associated with high pressure in the basement membrane.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin

Orthopedics

52sec

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Symptoms of a fractured ankle

For patients with ankle fractures, the main symptoms are swelling, pain, limited mobility, and significant tenderness upon pressing. There may also be a sensation and sound of bone rubbing together. Typically, a straightforward X-ray is sufficient to make a clear diagnosis. In cases of ankle fractures without displacement, an active conservative treatment is generally recommended. This usually involves strict immobilization with a plaster cast, elevating the affected limb to facilitate venous return and reduce swelling. Medications that improve blood circulation and promote bone healing are used in treatment. Normally, the treatment period is about one and a half months. With follow-up X-rays showing bone callus formation, the plaster can be removed and exercises to strengthen the ankle joint can be commenced.

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Written by Cheng Bin

Orthopedics

51sec

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How long will a bone fracture hurt?

Regarding the question of how long the pain from a fracture lasts, in general, patients with fractures are usually in the fibrous connection phase about two weeks after the incident, at which point the fracture ends become relatively stable. This means there is no longer movement at the fracture ends that can irritate nearby nerves. Therefore, the pain usually starts to alleviate after about two weeks. Additionally, for early intense pain from the fracture, oral pain relievers can be taken to ease the patient's symptoms. Furthermore, it is crucial to ensure that the fracture site is well-rested and protected, as this is the best condition for the healing of the fracture. If immobilization is not strictly adhered to, premature activity or local muscle strain might occur, which could potentially lead to a misalignment at the fracture site.

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

41sec

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Can I apply heat to a bone fracture?

Bone fissures clinically are referred to as hairline fractures, which are cracks appearing in the bone cortex. However, the stability of the bone still exists, and conservative treatment can be chosen, utilizing limb supports or plaster for external fixation to facilitate the healing of the fracture. During the acute phase of the bone condition, we do not recommend applying heat, but suggest cold compresses instead, to reduce bleeding and alleviate swelling. After the acute phase, appropriate heat application can be considered to promote circulation around the area, thereby aiding the healing of the fracture fissures and the fracture itself.

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Written by Cheng Bin

Orthopedics

46sec

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How to care for a bone fracture?

For patients with bone fractures, it is fortunate if there is no displacement. They must strictly use orthopedic casts or splints for external fixation. This effectively prevents the possibility of displacement at the fracture site and aids in the healing of the fracture. For patients with significant swelling, try to elevate the affected limb to facilitate venous return and reduce swelling. Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs, drugs that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, and drugs that promote fracture healing is appropriate. In terms of diet, nutrition should be enhanced, and spicy and irritating foods should be avoided, as well as smoking and alcohol, as these can affect the healing of fractures.

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Written by Cheng Bin

Orthopedics

38sec

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Can you move with a bone fracture?

Patients with fractures must absolutely avoid activity, as premature movement before callus formation can impede the growth of the fracture and even lead to the possibility of misalignment at the fracture site, which would be problematic. To promote quick recovery from a fracture, it is essential to rigorously use supports, plaster casts, or splints for external fixation. Only after callus formation can the external fixation be removed. Then, heat washing can be used to strengthen joint flexion and extension movements to restore normal joint mobility and, thereby, normal function in the patient.