How to Tell Your Broken Bone Is Stubbornly Stuck Out of Place

Everyone knows that healing from a broken bone requires patience, care, and a bit of discomfort. Over time, you should notice improved mobility and decreased pain. But what if the opposite occurs? Not all fractures follow the textbook journey to recovery. Some refuse to heal as they should.

How to Know When Something’s Off

Typically, you can expect a gradual, albeit inconsistent, improvement each week after breaking a bone. If you find that you’re not following this trajectory, it’s time to get suspicious. If the pain persists or worsens, and your mobility doesn’t improve, these could be signs that the healing process isn’t going smoothly.

Types of Fracture Healing Problems

Several factors can impede a bone’s healing journey. Excessive movement, poor alignment, or damage to the surrounding muscle and skin can prolong the healing time or prevent healing altogether. Here are some examples of what can go wrong:

  • Nonunion and malunion: These are fractures that don’t heal properly or at all. A nonunion fracture hasn’t healed in the expected timeframe, while a malunion fracture heals but leaves the bone in an incorrect position. The outcomes of these misbehaving fractures could be as innocent as a slightly shorter limb or as severe as incorrect bone rotation.
  • Post-traumatic arthritis: This potential effect of a poorly healed fracture gives rise to long-term joint pain. It can be managed in multiple ways, from focused physical therapy to surgical treatment.
  • Bone infections: Also known as osteomyelitis, bone infections can occur after severe injuries or surgery. These infections can seriously impede the healing process and must be treated promptly to avoid complications.
  • Leg length differences: If your bone heals in a shortened position, you might end up with one leg longer than the other. While minor discrepancies are often managed with shoe lifts, more severe cases may require surgical intervention.

Seek Specialist Advice

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to put up with pain or restricted movement after a fracture. Consulting with an orthopedic trauma specialist can make all the difference. These doctors can diagnose and manage a range of healing complications. From outpatient evaluations to second opinions and corrective surgeries, they have various strategies to restore your mobility and quality of life after a bone break. You don’t even need a referral; just pick up the phone and make that appointment.

Trust Village Emergency Centers for Timely, Expert Care

If you’re worried that your broken bone isn’t healing right, Village Emergency Centers is the place to turn for immediate assistance. With six convenient locations in the Greater Houston Area, you can receive 24/7 emergency care close to home or work, ensuring you never have to wait for the help you need. Our board-certified doctors are equipped to deliver rapid lab results, fast admissions, and speedy discharges. Plus, we accept all private insurance. So, stop worrying about your poorly healing bone, and come see us today.