Will a bone fracture cause swelling?

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on December 02, 2024
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A bone fissure is actually a type of fracture. It refers to the occurrence of a fissure fracture in the cortex of the bone, but the stability of the bone remains intact. A bone fissure can also present symptoms such as localized pain, swelling, and restricted movement.

Following a bone fissure, there will be localized bleeding, and the surrounding soft tissues may also be damaged, contributing to swelling. Therefore, in the early stages of a bone fissure, it is advisable to immobilize and rest the affected area. Cold compresses can be applied to reduce local blood flow, thereby easing bleeding and alleviating swelling.

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Written by Li Jie
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Can a fracture be moved?

Bone fractures, as the name suggests, refers to a crack-like fracture in a bone. Although it is a simple fracture and the bones are not obviously displaced, maintaining proper alignment is still important. However, a fracture does represent a change in the continuity of the bone. If effective repositioning and fixation are not carried out, displacement of the fracture can occur. Therefore, it is generally advised for patients to use a cast or a brace for external fixation. If the patient moves frequently without effective fixation, the crack fracture may develop into a displaced fracture. Once a displacement occurs, it can become complicated, potentially requiring surgical treatment. Therefore, patients with bone fractures are advised to rest and avoid vigorous activities, and to ensure effective repositioning and fixation.

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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 Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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What to eat for a bone fracture?

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 Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Can a fracture be moved?

First, it is important to clarify that once a fracture is detected, it is absolutely imperative not to move. Because if you engage in activities too soon, it might affect the growth of the fracture and could even lead to misalignment at the fracture site, so it is absolutely crucial for patients with fractures not to move. To promote quick recovery of the fracture, it is vital to strictly rest, immobilize the affected area, and protect it. Typically, treatment involves actively using plaster casts or splints for external fixation, applying non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers, and using medications that promote fracture healing. Dietary needs should include appropriately enhanced nutrition, and it is necessary to refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol, and avoid spicy and stimulating foods. (Specific medication use should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.)

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How to treat a fracture?

Patients with bone fractures, due to the force applied causing partial fractures in the bone, do not necessarily represent a complete break and won’t exhibit noticeable symptoms of displacement or misalignment. Generally, patients with bone fractures only require a plaster cast for immobilization, typically for about four weeks. After a month, you can visit the hospital to get an X-ray to check for osseous union at the fracture ends. If the fracture ends have achieved osseous union, then normal activities and weight-bearing walking can be resumed. Thus, for bone fractures, simply applying a plaster cast for immobilization for four weeks is sufficient.