Fracture care helps broken bones to heal in the correct position, ensuring that function is restored to your damaged body part. There are several different types of bone fractures, so it is important to get care that is appropriate to the type of injury you have. Let’s take a look at the different types of fractures so you know what kind of treatment you can expect when you contact Alabama Orthopedic Surgeons about your fracture.
Stable Fracture
In this kind of fracture, there is a cracked or broken bone, but the ends of the bone are correctly lined up. This kind of fracture is one of the easiest to treat. Often, all you will need is a cast or brace to immobilize the bone so it can heal without slipping out of place.
Open Fracture
In an open fracture, one broken end of the bone slips out of place and pierces the skin. If you have this type of fracture, a surgeon will need to move the bone back into place before immobilizing it so it can heal correctly.
Comminuted Fracture
A comminuted fracture is not a simple crack in the bone. In this type of fracture, the bone shatters into at least three pieces, which can complicate the healing process. An orthopedic surgeon may need to insert metal pins, plates or screws into your broken bone to pin the pieces in place while the fracture heals.
How Long Does a Fracture Take to Heal?
The time it takes to recover from a fracture depends on several factors. The severity of the injury is often the main factor, but your actions during recovery can also play a role. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice regarding rest to avoid making the injury worse and give your fracture chance to heal properly. In general, fractures take between a few weeks and a few months to heal.
Treatment for Fractures
To find out what kind of fracture you have and get treatment for it, contact Alabama Orthopedic Surgeons today. Our experienced doctors can help you recover from your fracture and return to your normal level of activity as soon as possible.