What to eat for a bone fracture?

Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 22, 2024
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In the early stages of a bone fracture, it is generally necessary to pay strict attention to rest and protection, as gastrointestinal motility can become relatively slow. Therefore, for such patients, it is necessary to consume easily digestible foods early on, including more vegetables and fruits. Once the fracture site becomes more stable during the later stages, it is important to enhance nutrition and actively carry out calcium supplementation. For example, patients can drink pork rib soup or pig trotter soup, and also need to eat items like shrimp shells and lean meat. However, it is crucial to avoid spicy and stimulating foods, as well as greasy foods, and to quit smoking and drinking, as these can negatively impact the healing of the fracture. Additionally, for patients with fractures, it is mandatory to strictly ensure rest and protective immobilization.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Symptoms of bone fracture

Bone fracture, as the name suggests, is a type of fracture characterized by a crack in the bone. Since it is a fracture, it shares all the common characteristics of fractures. Firstly, there is pain. The pain at the site of the bone fracture is very evident. Secondly, there is swelling. Local swelling should also be very apparent. Although it might be less severe than general displaced fractures, it is more pronounced than the swelling from soft tissue contusions. Thirdly, there is limited functionality. After a bone fracture, due to severe pain, sometimes, as the continuity of the bone is interrupted, the lever action of the bone may be reduced or lost, hence, the patient's limb movement will be restricted. Additionally, fractures have two characteristic complications: abnormal movement, and bone crepitus or bone friction sensation. Another possible sign is deformity. However, because patients with bone cracks often do not have noticeable displacement, deformity is not significant. However, during a physical examination of the patient, bone crepitus or bone friction sensation might be detectable. Yet, due to the lack of significant displacement, it is not necessary to forcefully elicit these signs. In cases where there is evident pain, swelling, and restricted activity, bone fracture should be suspected and it is advised that the patient should promptly visit a hospital for radiographic confirmation to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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How to treat an old fracture?

The concept of a bone fissure refers to a condition where the bone is not completely broken but is partially cracked, known as a fissure. The treatment for a bone fissure generally involves plaster fixation, typically for a duration of four to six weeks. However, an old injury refers to a chronic fissure that has been present for three weeks or more. If the fissure is three weeks old, it should continue to be immobilized with plaster, avoiding weight-bearing walking and activities. Plaster fixation can gradually allow the fracture ends to heal. If after four to six weeks, or even two months, the fracture ends have not healed, further surgical treatment may be required.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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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 Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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How long is the hospital stay for a bone fracture?

A bone fissure, a type of fracture, often suggests hospitalization for observation for two to four weeks. After imaging shows no significant displacement of the fissure, appropriate fixation can be applied, followed by discharge and regular follow-up visits. One and a half months after the fissure, exercises for flexion and extension of the joints adjacent to the fracture can be started, accompanied by oral medication, bone-setting, calcium supplementation, and drugs to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. One month after hospitalization, the stability of the fissure is not yet completely reliable. It usually takes one and a half to three months for the stability to gradually improve and to ensure that there is no possibility of displacement reoccurring.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Does a bone fracture hurt?

A bone fissure is actually a type of fracture, referring to a fracture where there is a crack in the cortical bone, but the stability of the bone is maintained. When a bone fissure occurs, it's important to immobilize and rest, avoiding excessive movement to prevent aggravating the cortical crack. Therefore, after a bone fissure occurs, common symptoms of a fracture such as pain, swelling, and limited mobility may also appear. Hence, if pain is severe after a bone fissure, it might be appropriate to choose some pain-relieving medications to alleviate the symptoms. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)