A fracture is a broken bone. A bone may be completely fractured or partially fractured in any number of ways (crosswise, lengthwise, in multiple pieces). There are different kinds of fractures, from compression fractures as a result of osteoarthritis, to stress fractures caused by overuse, to open or compound fractures that expose the bone and require surgery. Each fracture requires a specialized treatment plan for successful healing.
Common types of fractures include:
- Stable fracture. The broken ends of the bone line up and are barely out of place.
- Open, compound fracture. The skin may be pierced by the bone or by a blow that breaks the skin at the time of the fracture. The bone may or may not be visible in the wound.
- Transverse fracture. This type of fracture has a horizontal fracture line.
- Oblique fracture. This type of fracture has an angled pattern.
- Comminuted fracture. In this type of fracture, the bone shatters into three or more pieces.
Non-surgical approaches to fracture care can involve a cast, splint, specialized shoe, or boot to immobilize the limb until the bones heal. Often, surgery is required to best fix a fracture. Dr. Allegra may recommend fixing the broken bone with special hardware such as a rod, or plates and screws that will hold the fracture together while your body heals.
Fracture care in Monmouth County may either be operative or non-operative. Dr. Marshall P Allegra, orthopedic specialist, will assess not just the severity of the broken bone, but also the type of fracture and the stability of the patient before recommending either a closed reduction or surgery. The treatment plan recommended to you will be as specific as possible to get the best possible outcome.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
While closed reductions are usually ideal, they aren’t always an option. If the fracture is in an unstable position or if the break has crossed into the surface of the joint (more than 2mm), then patients may need surgery to fix the break. Dr. Allegra will take into account past medical history as well. So if a patient has a degenerative disease, such as osteoporosis, then they’re not generally a good candidate for closed reductions. Finally, if the break interferes with the functions of the muscles or tendons or if the patient has undergone multiple traumatic injuries, then surgery may be only other option.
When Is Surgery Not Recommended?
If a patient has an active infection or if they have a medical condition that prevents them from undergoing anesthesia, then typically surgery is not recommend. If there’s soft tissue located over the fracture, then Dr. Allegra may not want to compromise the quality of that tissue during surgery. Casts, splints, and rods are all options for those who are unable to undergo surgery.
Dr Marshall P Allegra, – Allegra Orthopedics, Hazlet NJ, is dedicated to finding the least intrusive treatment option by exploring all of the possible outcomes before choosing the right one. You can trust us to use our experience to your advantage if you’re in need of fracture care.