FRACTURES

Zlatko Zebic

FRACTURES

A bone fracture is a medical condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone.

Many fractures are the result of high force impact or stress.

Bone fracture can also occur as a result of certain medical conditions that weaken the bones, such fracture is then termed pathological fracture.

FRACTURES

X-ray image of femoral fracture

Type of Fractures

Closed fracture Colles’ fracture Comminuted fracture Compound fracture Compression fracture Greenstick fracture Impact fracture Oblique fracture Pathologic fracture Spiral fracture Stress fracture Transverse fracture

COLLES’ FRACTURE

Fracture of distal radius bone

The most common cause of this type of fracture is a fall on an outstretched hand

Caused by a fall from a significant height or a motor vehicle accident

COLLES’ FRACTURE

Diagnosis- may be evident clinically when the distal radius is deformed but should be confirmed by x-ray

Treatment - The type of treatment required depends on many factors, including displacement and stability of the fracture fragments

– Splint or casting– Closed reduction – Surgery

PATHOLOGIC FRACTURE

Fractures caused by diseased or weakened bone

Conditions that are commonly responsible for pathological fractures:– osteoporosis, osteomalacia, paget's disease,

osteitis, osteogenesis imperfecta, benign bone tumours and cysts, secondary malignant bone tumours and primary malignant bone tumours.

PATHOLOGIC FRACTURES

A pathologic fracture usually occurs with normal activities--patients may be doing very routine activities when their bone suddenly fractures.

The reason is that the underlying disease process weakens the bone to the point where the bone is unable to perform its normal function.

It can affect any bone in the body

STRESS FRACTURE

Type of incomplete fracture in bones. It is caused by "unusual or repeated stress“

or low impact force like running. It typically occurs in weight-bearing bones,

such as the tibia (bone of the lower leg) and metatarsals (bones of the foot).

It is a common sports injury, and most cases are associated with athletics.

STRESS FRACTURE

Sometimes referred to as a

“hairline fracture”, very small

crack in the bone

STRESS FRACTURE

Diagnosis- best diagnosed after interview and examination by a physician. X-ray may not show stress fractures.

Treatment- rest is the only option for complete healing of a stress fracture. The amount of recovery time varies greatly depending upon the location, severity, and the strength of the body's healing response. Complete rest and a cast or walking boot are usually used for a period of four to eight weeks.