Is a comminuted fracture of the tibia serious?

Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

Updated on September 20, 2024

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A comminuted fracture of the tibia is defined as a fracture where there are three or more fracture fragments, termed a comminuted fracture. The severity of a comminuted fracture of the tibia depends on the location of the fracture. If the fracture is located at the epiphyseal end, where there is abundant blood supply, healing may occur more quickly. However, if the fracture is accompanied by surrounding soft tissue injuries, the healing process can be very slow. If the fracture occurs in the middle to distal third of the bone, where the blood supply is more limited, healing can be slower compared to simple transverse fractures, and the prognosis may vary depending on the choice of treatment method.

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Written by Cheng Bin

Orthopedics

1min

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Sequelae of comminuted fracture of the humerus

Regarding the sequelae of comminuted fractures of the humerus, in clinical practice, if treatment for humerus comminuted fractures is proactive and patients diligently engage in functional exercises without any nerve damage, most patients will not experience any sequelae. However, if treatment is improper, a series of sequelae can often occur, mainly reflected in the following aspects: First, if there is accompanying nerve damage that is very severe, it can cause patients to experience sensory disturbances or motor function impairments. Second, poor repositioning of comminuted fractures can lead to nonunion or malunion of the fracture, affecting normal functions of the patient. Third, long-term immobilization in the later stages can cause joint stiffness. When patients eventually start exercising, fear of pain may lead to insufficient exercise, resulting in very poor joint mobility, thereby affecting normal functions.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

1min 3sec

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How long does it take for a comminuted patellar fracture to heal?

If the patella is fractured into fragments, conservative treatment is usually not chosen, and surgical treatment is necessary. There are several surgical methods, but as long as the fixation is sturdy and the joint surface recovers well, normal life and work can generally resume in about six weeks. Typically, a follow-up at the hospital is needed in the fourth week or the twelfth week after surgery. If there are no issues at these check-ups, normal work and life can continue. However, the internal fixatives such as steel pins, wires, or memory alloy bone clamps should be removed within six months to a year post-surgery. It is generally recommended that the internal fixation devices be removed around thirteen months after surgery when the patella has healed well, and the knee joint function has been restored, allowing for a return to a normal life. So, for a comminuted patellar fracture, recovery to normal life typically takes about six weeks, and the internal fixation devices can be removed in about a year.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin

Orthopedics

39sec

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How long does it take to recover after surgery for a comminuted fracture of the humerus?

Generally speaking, the recovery time after surgery for a comminuted fracture of the humerus is about three months, but this can vary from person to person. If the patient is young, the healing of the fracture ends might be quicker, potentially achieving bony union within two to three months. However, if the patient is elderly, their healing might be slower, possibly requiring three to four months to achieve bony union. Therefore, it is necessary for patients with fractures to regularly take X-rays to observe whether the fracture ends have achieved bony union. Typically, they should visit the hospital to get an X-ray about every two weeks to check on the growth of the fracture ends.

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Written by Cheng Bin

Orthopedics

43sec

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Is a pelvic comminuted fracture serious?

For comminuted pelvic fractures, the condition is very serious, demonstrating that the external force involved was quite significant. It causes a disruption in the continuity and integrity of the bone. The patient will exhibit localized pain and swelling, and restricted movement in the affected area. Pressing on the area will produce a distinct bone crepitus or feel, and there might be extensive subcutaneous bruising. For comminuted pelvic fractures, the primary treatment is usually surgical. It is essential to conduct thorough preoperative examinations to exclude any surgical contraindications, and then proceed with the open reduction and internal fixation surgery under general anesthesia.

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Written by Li Jin

Orthopedics

53sec

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How long will it take to walk after a comminuted fracture of the tibia?

The decision on when to walk depends on the recovery status of the fracture. Generally, a tibial fracture requires about 4-6 weeks of rest. Around 4-6 weeks, you can revisit the hospital for an X-ray checkup. If the callus is growing well, and the fracture line is blurred or disappeared, you can start using crutches to walk and perform functional exercises. However, recovery from a comminuted fracture takes longer, so an X-ray examination is essential before starting to walk. If the examination results show good recovery, then you can start walking. If you walk too early, it may interfere with the fracture healing, and in severe cases, it might even cause the fracture to break again. Therefore, the time it takes for someone with a comminuted tibial fracture to walk depends on the specific circumstances, and an X-ray examination must be performed before walking.