Fractures

A fracture occurs when a bone is subjected to force that it cannot withstand, leading to a break. This can happen in various scenarios, such as:

• A construction worker falling from a ladder, resulting in a fractured leg.
• A delivery driver involved in a car accident, sustaining a broken arm.
• An office worker slipping on a wet floor, causing a wrist fracture.

Fractures can range from minor hairline cracks to severe breaks that may require surgical intervention.

A bone fracture represents any break to a bone, whether partial or complete. Medical professionals categorize fractures into two primary classifications:

• Compound fractures (open): These occur when bone fragments penetrate through the skin, becoming visible externally, or when a deep wound exposes the underlying bone.
• Simple fractures (closed): In these cases, while the bone is broken, the skin remains intact with no external exposure of bone tissue.

Bone fractures can also manifest in various patterns, each with distinctive characteristics to look out for:

• Greenstick fractures: These incomplete fractures involve partial breakage on one side while the opposite side merely bends, similar to breaking a young, green branch.
• Transverse fractures: These create straight-line breaks perpendicular to the bone’s long axis.
• Spiral fractures: These injuries wrap around the bone in a helical pattern, typically resulting from rotational forces during twisting injuries.
• Oblique fractures: These breaks occur at an angle across the bone, creating a diagonal fracture line.
• Compression fractures: These result from crushing forces that flatten or widen the affected bone, commonly seen in vertebral injuries.
• Comminuted fractures: These complex breaks splinter the bone into multiple fragments (three or more pieces) at the fracture site.
• Segmental fractures: These involve two separate fractures in the same bone, creating an isolated “floating” middle segment.

Bone fracture symptoms include:

• Sharp, intense pain at the site of the injury
• Swelling and bruising around the affected area
• Visible deformity or an unusual bend in the limb
• Difficulty or inability to move the injured part
• Hearing a snapping or grinding noise during the injury

If you suspect a bone fracture, seeking prompt medical attention from an orthopedic expert is crucial.

At MSR, our dedicated network of multi-specialty doctors is committed to providing top-notch injury and bone fracture care. They utilize advanced imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to accurately determine the type and severity of the fracture. Based on the diagnosis, our network of specialized bone physicians offer personalized treatment plans, which may include:

• Casting or Splinting: To immobilize and protect the bone during the healing process.
• Surgery: For complex fractures requiring realignment or stabilization with hardware such as pins, plates, or screws.
• Physical Therapy: Customized rehabilitation exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and function.
• Pain Management: Effective pain relief strategies, including medications and other techniques.

Our network of specialists includes:

• Orthopedic Surgeons: Experts in surgical repair and realignment of fractures.
• Sports Medicine Physicians: Skilled in treating sports-related injuries and ensuring a safe return to activity.
• Rehabilitation Specialists: Designing programs to help you regain mobility and strength.
• Physical Therapists: Providing targeted exercises and treatments to support recovery and prevent future injuries.

MSR is proud to offer an accessible network of high-quality physicians who specialize in bone fractures across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.