Our Services / Fractures

What are fractures?

A fracture is an injury to a bone. Fractures vary in size and severity. Some are finer than a piece of human hair; others cause a bone to shatter into multiple pieces.

If you break a bone, it’s important to seek professional help, regardless of the underlying cause. After an exam and a series of X-rays, the team at Coastal Ortho can develop a treatment plan to help you feel better.

What are the types of fractures?

At Coastal Ortho, the team treats various types of fractures, including:

• Open fractures: when the bone pierces the skin
• Closed fractures: when the broken bone stays beneath the skin
• Complete fractures: the break separates a bone cleanly into several pieces
• Displaced fractures: a gap forms between the bones, requiring surgery
• Partial fractures: the break doesn’t go all the way through the bone

The team also treats stress fractures. Stress fractures occur due to repetitive use or trauma; they’re very small and can be challenging to locate.

What are the symptoms of fractures?

Symptoms of fractures include:

• Difficulty using the affected limb
• An unusual bump, bruise, or swelling
• Severe pain
• Stiffness

You might also experience mobility issues, depending on the location of the fracture.

Who is at risk of experiencing fractures?

Fractures affect people of all ages, but several factors may increase your risk. For example, you're more likely to experience a fracture if you have an underlying medical condition like osteoporosis. 

Your lifestyle can also play a role. For instance, if you play contact sports or enjoy extreme activities like mountain biking, you’re more susceptible to injury.

How are fractures diagnosed?

To diagnose a fracture, your provider at Coastal Ortho asks about your symptoms, including how the injury occured, what the pain feels like, and if it extends into other parts of your body. Next, they carefully examine the injury to check for swelling, bruising, or areas of sensitivity.

Afterward, your provider orders diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays and a bone scan. These procedures capture detailed photos of your bones and joints and can identify even small stress fractures. 

How are fractures treated?

Treatment of fractures depends on various factors, including the location of the broken bone and the severity of your symptoms. Most fractures respond to immobilization with a cast or a splint. Casts and splints prevent your bone from moving around, giving your body time to heal. 

If you experience a serious fracture that breaks a bone into multiple pieces, surgical intervention might be necessary. During surgery, your provider at Coastal Ortho uses screws, pins, plates, and rods to hold your bones together. Over time, your bones heal, restoring your range of motion.

To learn more about the different treatment options for fractures, make an appointment at Coastal Ortho by calling the nearest office or clicking the online scheduling feature today.