FRACTURES

Fracture Injuries in Houston, TX

Fracture injuries range from minor to debilitating, altering your mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life. Whether you’ve been in a vehicle collision, sports accident, or anything in between, promptly addressing your fracture is paramount. That’s where Village Emergency Centers comes in with our comprehensive bone fracture treatment in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas.

What Is a Fracture?

Bones are resilient, offering slight give and bend without resulting in trauma. However, if a bone is impacted by extreme force, it will break, resulting in a fracture. Fractures refer to injuries that compromise the continuity of the bone. Depending on the nature of the injury, fractures can occur lengthwise, crosswise, or in multiple pieces.

Broken Bone vs. Bone Fracture

A broken bone and a bone fracture refer to the same type of injury. These terms can be used interchangeably as they both describe a break in a bone. However, not all fractures result in completely broken bones. Minor fractures can cause small cracks or splits in the bone, depending on the injury.

Identifying Broken Bones & Fractures  

A fracture can be incredibly painful. However, minor fracture injuries may not present severe symptoms indicative of a broken bone. Simple fractures can be more challenging to identify and treat until the problem becomes exacerbated by continued use. In contrast, severe fractures may create a popping or cracking sound at the time of the injury.

Symptoms of a Broken Bone or Fracture

Understanding the symptoms of a broken bone or fracture is important to know when to seek medical attention. The common signs of a bone fracture include:

• Pain and discomfort
• Tenderness or swelling around the fracture site
• Visible limb deformity
• Inability to bear weight
• Restricted or no range of motion
• Numbness

Types of Fractures

Bone fracture is a term that umbrellas various forms of fractures. Types of fracture injuries include:

• Simple bone fracture
• Unstable bone fracture
• Compound or open bone fracture
• Greenstick bone fracture (unique to children)

Simple vs Unstable Bone Fracture Injuries

A simple bone fracture is the best-case scenario for fracture injuries. Simple fractures involve bone fragments that remain stable and aligned despite the injury. In contrast, unstable fractures involve misaligned or displaced broken bone fragments.

Compound or Open Fracture Injuries

Compound fracture injuries, also known as open fractures, are more severe. These fractures occur when the broken bone pierces through the skin. They come with an increased risk of complications, including infection, and require urgent medical intervention and treatment.

Greenstick Fracture Injuries

Greenstick fracture injuries are unique to children. These injuries are classified as fractures that cause the bone to bend to one side. However, even though the bone is bent, greenstick fractures do not cause the bone to break.

Causes of Bone Fracture Injuries

A bone fracture can derive from a multitude of accidents or events. Common causes of fracture injuries include:

• Trauma – Car accidents, sports injuries, falls, etc.
• Osteoporosis – A condition that weakens the strength and integrity of the bones
• Overuse or Stress – Too much pressure or repetitive motions can weaken the muscles and cause bone stress, leading to fractures.

Treating a Fracture or Broken Bone

Treating a fracture or broken bone varies depending on the type of fracture and the extent of the injury. Treatment may include non-surgical medical therapy, rehabilitation, and/or surgery, such as:

• Casting
• Skin or skeletal traction
• Open reduction and internal fixation surgery
• External fixation surgery
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy

Non-Operative Fracture Treatment

Non-operative fracture treatment may include casting, skin traction, or skeletal traction. Casting refers to a fiberglass or plaster material used to immobilize and stabilize a shortened, angulated, or displaced fracture. Skin and skeletal traction is an alternative treatment used for dislocations and fractures that cannot be addressed with castings.

Secure Comprehensive Fracture Treatment in Houston, TX

If you suspect a bone fracture, don’t hold off on the care you need. Village Emergency Centers in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas offer effective fracture treatment to streamline your road to recovery. Contact us or stop by today; we are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.