A broken bone feels intimidating. Fractures come in different varieties. Some involve a bone protruding through the skin, while others keep the skin intact. Today, we'll discuss closed fractures in which the skin remains intact, understanding what they are, what causes them, and how they're treated. However, even closed fractures may require surgery if they are severe. This involves the application of Locking Plates and Screws.
An Introduction to Closed Fractures
As the name suggests, a closed fracture is a break in the bone that is not visible outside with the naked eye. The bone breaks, but the break doesn't extend outwards, keeping the skin unbroken. These fractures can be complete, where the bone breaks entirely into two pieces, or incomplete, where there's a hairline crack or a small chip in the bone.
What Are the Causes of Closed Fractures?
Our bones are surprisingly resilient, but they can succumb to pressure. Here are some common culprits behind closed fractures:
Falls
From a simple tumble to a major fall, impact can cause bones, especially in the wrist, arm, hip, and ankle, to fracture.
Trauma
A direct blow, like a kick or a collision during sports, can create a closed fracture.
Overuse
Repetitive motions, like running long distances, can lead to stress fractures, tiny cracks caused by repeated stress on a specific bone.
Underlying Conditions
Diseases like osteoporosis, which weakens bones, can make them more susceptible to fractures even with minimal force.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Closed Fractures?
While the broken skin of an open fracture is a clear giveaway, closed fractures can be trickier to identify. Here are the signs to watch out:
Pain
This is the most common symptom, often described as sharp, throbbing, or worsening with movement.
Tenderness
The area around the fracture will likely be sensitive to touch.
Swelling
The body's natural response to injury can cause swelling around the fracture site.
Bruising
Depending on the severity of the fracture, there might be bruising in the area.
Deformity
In some cases, the affected limb might appear deformed or bent at an unusual angle.
Loss of Function
It may become difficult or even impossible to bear weight on the fractured bone or use the affected limb normally.
How Closed Fractures Are Treated?
The good news is that closed fractures generally heal well with proper treatment. The specific approach depends on the severity and location of the fracture. Here are some common methods:
Immobilization
A cast, splint, or brace helps immobilize the bone fragments, allowing them to heal in the correct position.
Pain Management
Medication can help improve post-surgical pain and prevent inflammation during recovery.
Physical Therapy
Once the bone starts healing, physical therapy exercises can help regain strength, flexibility, and movement in the affected area.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery might be necessary to realign the bone fragments or insert pins, plates, or screws for additional support.
How to Prevent Closed Fractures?
While fractures can happen, there are ways to reduce your risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a balanced diet
- Weight-bearing exercises
- Prevent falls
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