Fractures
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South Orange County Orthopaedics
Orthopaedic Surgeons located in Orange County, Mission Viejo, CA
A fractured bone can be incredibly painful, and can also put an immediate end to your daily routines. Fractures can occur in any bone, and different types of fractures require different treatment approaches. At South Orange County Orthopaedics, Inc, a team of orthopaedic surgeons brings an unparalleled level of skill and experience to their Mission Viejo, California community. If you or a loved one suffers a fracture, contact the office or use the online scheduling tool to begin the path away from pain and back to normal, healthy function.
Fractures Q & A
What is a fracture?
Many people believe that there is a difference between a broken bone and a fractured bone. In reality, they are the same. A fracture is any scenario in which the continuity of your bone tissue breaks.
Fractures can be catastrophic, or relatively minor. A complete fracture is one in which the bone has been broken apart, while a partial fracture is one in which only some of the bone tissue has been compromised.
Here are just a few of many different types of fractures:
Stable
With a stable fracture, the broken surfaces of the bone remain lined up, and very little surrounding tissue is affected.
Open, or compound
A compound fracture occurs when the sharp ends of a broken bone's surface pierce the surrounding skin.
Transverse
A transverse fracture has a horizontally-positioned break.
Oblique
In an oblique fracture, the pattern of the break is angled.
Comminuted
A comminuted fracture occurs when bone tissue is shattered into three or more pieces.
What are some symptoms of fractures?
Quite often, people are unaware that they have fractured a bone until symptoms develop. Here are some signs that you may have fractured a bone and should seek medical treatment:
- Pain
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Unusual bending in the affected area
- Inability to move the affected area
- A grating sensation in a joint
- Unexplained dizziness
- Sensation of nausea
- Pale or clammy skin
What are some treatment options for fractures?
You may need imaging or other diagnostic tools to provide a full picture of the damage. In some cases, the use of a contrast dye can help your doctor evaluate the functional and structural integrity of surrounding organs.
The first steps in treatment include:
- Stabilizing the fracture
- Addressing any bleeding or pain
- Repairing any damage done to the bone, muscle, or other damaged tissue
Some fractures only need to be immobilized while the body’s natural healing process takes place. Other fractures require surgical intervention followed by a period of rehabilitation.
If you experience a fracture, contact South Orange County Orthopaedics right away to schedule an appointment and begin a treatment path.
