The symptoms of severe bone fracture are:
- Extreme and unbearable pain in the injured area
- Swelling
- Muscle spasms
The diagnosis of a severe bone fracture may be done by our specialists at Medanta using imaging techniques like:
...The diagnosis of a severe bone fracture may be done by our specialists at Medanta using imaging techniques like:
Medication like ibuprofen is administered to reduce pain in the fractured area of the body.
Fractured pieces are aligned to their normal positions and let them stay in the same position, in the technique called immobilization. The bone heals by itself and the injured bone is immobilized until the natural healing process is complete. The realignment of bones prior to immobilization could be extremely painful if done without using anesthesia. The position after realignment needs to be verified using an X-Ray. After this, the part is immobilized with a cast or a splint. When the healing process is half done, the fracture may be placed in a removable brace or orthosis.
In extreme cases and when all else fails, surgical means are adopted. In cases like hip fractures, surgery is recommended because immobilization could be for extremely long periods. When a joint surface is damaged by a fracture, surgery is used to make accurate anatomical changes and to restore the smoothness and functionality of the joint at the earliest. If you have an open fracture, you might have to be extra careful and undergo sensitive antiseptic procedures and prophylactic antibiotics. Open fractures could result in recurring infections in the bone and are therefore dangerous. It is also possible to implant metal parts. These should be designed and implanted by a specialized surgeon. Sometimes, bone grafting may be used to treat a fracture. If a metal implantation carries too much of load, it might rupture, causing atrophy. Therefore, low-modulus materials like Titanium and Titanium alloys are used to create implantations. If the friction due to rubbing of metal generates heat, the implantation could damage the tissues of the bone and reduce the strength of the bones. Also, if dissimilar metals like Titanium and Cobalt or Titanium and stainless steel are used with each other, there is a risk of galvanic corrosion. The free metallic ions produced as a result of galvanic corrosion can damage the tissues of the bone. Therefore, ensure discussions with the surgeon before opting for surgical procedures.
Contact a doctor at the earliest, if you have severe pain, cramps, swelling and spasms after an injury or fall.