Dr Lauren Papa: How Are Bone Fractures Medically Treated?
A stumble on the stair, a wrong turn on the field, or a high-impact trauma – the causative culprits behind bone fractures are as varied as they come. As pervasive as they are, understanding how bone fractures are medically treated can be a beacon of comfort amidst the discomfort. Dr Lauren Papa will guide you in diving into the intricate world of bone healing under the careful hands of medical professionals.
Mapping The Bone Fracture Treatment Journey
The treatment of bone fractures primarily hinges on the type, location, and severity of the said bone fracture. The human body has an amazing ability to heal, but certain fractures necessitate the most suited medical assistance. This is needed to ensure the bone heals correctly and functionality is restored.
Initial Fracture Evaluation and Stabilization
The first line of action is assessing the type of fracture using imaging like an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI scan. This helps identify the fracture’s exact location, severity, and whether it is simple (bone bits stay near each other) or compound (bone pierces the skin). The immediate goal is to relieve pain, prevent further injury, and prepare for definitive treatment.
Repositioning (Reduction)
The process of lining up the broken bone ends for healing is called reduction. In closed reduction, a doctor moves the bones back into place without opening the skin. Local or general anesthesia may be administered to minimize pain during this procedure.
For complex fractures, surgery is required to reposition the bone – known as open reduction. In these cases, plates, screws, or rods may be used to hold the bone together during healing.
Immobilization And Pain Management
After bone alignment, the next critical step is immobilization to maintain alignment during the healing process. This alignment is achieved by using casts or braces. Dr Lauren Papa Most fractures are treated by applying a cast (plaster or fiberglass) or a functional brace around the fracture. This immobilizes the fracture but allows limited, controlled movements.
And lastly, the process of pain management is an integral part of fracture treatment. In this case, using the best over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription drugs are used based on pain severity.