Yes! Orthopedic surgeons can treat your fracture, i.e., a broken bone. An orthopedic surgeon is specialized in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal system problems, including orthopedic fractures.
Orthopedic fractures can result from sports injuries, falls, and traumas, such as car accidents. These fractures can range from a tiny crack in the bone to a break in the bone damaging the nearby muscles.
Let’s discuss the types of fractures, how an orthopedic surgeon can treat them, and where you can go in for world-class orthopedic care.
Types of Fractures
Fractures are classified into many categories. Some common categories of bone fractures include:
Open fractures: It is also known as a compound fracture, where an open fracture broken bone poke through the skin and is clearly visible.
Closed fracture: It is also known as a simple fracture, where closed fracture bone is broken but the skin is intact.
There are several types of fractures based on their features. Common types of fractures include:
Greenstick: A partial fracture on one side of the bone. This occurs when the bone bends and cracks instead of breaking into two separate pieces.
Transverse: This fracture is a straight break across the bone.
Spiral: This fracture spirals around the bone.
Oblique: This fracture is a diagonal break across the bone.
Compression: In this fracture, bone is crushed, and the broken bone appears to be flatter or wider in appearance.
Comminuted: In this fracture, bone is broken into three or more pieces.
How does an Orthopedic Surgeon Treat a Fracture?
For a fractured bone to heal, its broken pieces must be close to each other, and there should be no significant movement of these pieces. This way, they can receive proper blood flow and nutrients and heal.
An orthopedic surgeon may use nonsurgical or surgical methods to treat a fracture depending on the severity and type of the fracture.
Nonsurgical Treatment of Fractures
Nonsurgical treatment of fractures may involve the use of:
Casts: A cast is made of fiberglass or plaster that holds your broken bone in place while it heals. Cast immobilizes bone and reduces muscle contraction.
Slings and splints: Both slings and splints also keep the bone immobilized. A sling holds the limb in a specific position when an arm or shoulder bone breaks. A splint holds the limb straight and is used after surgery or as an immediate treatment. Splints are more rigid than slings.
Traction: Occasionally, traction is used to treat a fracture. Traction involves the use of pulleys and weights to stretch muscles and tendons in a certain direction. It helps the bone ends to align and heal.
An orthopedic surgeon may also use electric current to stimulate the healing of bones whose healing is delayed.
Surgical Treatment of Fractures
An orthopedic surgeon performs surgery involving repositioning and stabilizing the broken bone with devices like rods, screws, plates, and external frames for some fractures. Surgical repair of fractures may include:
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation
Fractures that can’t be realigned with a cast are treated with this method. Open reduction means that your orthopedic surgeon will realign the bone by making an incision, while internal fixation means hardware like screws, plates, and metal rods are used to hold the broken bones together.
Closed Reduction and External Fixation
This surgery is performed for complex fractures that can’t be repaired with an open reduction method. Closed reduction is to set the broken pieces of bones together without making an incision, while external fixation involves the use of an external frame (temporarily) supporting the bone and holding the bone in a correct position. In external fixation, hardware devices, such as metal rods, plates, and pins are located outside of the body.
Orthopedic Surgeon Near Me in MI
If you sustain a fracture and seek treatment, don’t hesitate to visit us at Tri County Orthopedics. Our board-certified, highly trained, and experienced orthopedic surgeons Dr. Linard and Dr. Lennox provide comprehensive care for all your musculoskeletal problems, including fractures. For decades, they have taken pride in delivering outstanding orthopedic services to people in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
To benefit from our orthopedic services, schedule an appointment by calling us today at (248) 474-5575 or filling out our convenient request an appointment form.
