A fracture is a condition when a bone is broken so that its position or shape changes. Fractures can occur when the bone is subjected to excessive pressure or impact his strengthbigger than strengthbone.
Fractures can occur anywhere in the body, but are more common in the legs, arms, hips, ribs and collarbones. Although generally caused by a strong impact, fractures can also occur due to a light impact when the bones have experienced osteoporosis, for example due to osteoporosis.
Types of Fractures
Based on the condition, fractures can be divided into several types, namely:
1. Closed fracture
A closed fracture is a type of fracture in which the broken bone does not tear the skin.
2. Open fracture
An open fracture is the opposite of a closed fracture, where the end of the broken bone tears the skin, exposing the tissue under the skin and the broken bone.
3. Incomplete fractures
Incomplete fracture is a bone condition that does not break completely or does not divide the bone into 2 or more parts, but only cracks. Incomplete fractures are divided into the following types:
- Hairline fracture or stress fractures, i.e. when the bone has a thin crack
- Greenstick fracture, which is when one side of the bone is cracked and bent
- Buckle or torus fracture, namely when the broken bone does not separate the two sides of the bone, in this condition the fractured side of the bone will protrude
4. Complete fracture
A complete fracture is a condition where the bone is broken into two or more pieces. Complete fractures are further divided into:
- Single fracture, which is when a bone in one part of the body is broken into two parts
- Comminuted fracture, which is when a bone is broken or crushed into three or more pieces
- Compression fracture, which is when the bone is crushed or crushed under pressure
- Displaced fracture, which is when the bone is crushed to pieces and comes out of its original place
- Non-displaced fracture, which is when the bone is crushed to pieces but does not come out of its original place
- Segmental fracture, which is when a bone is broken into two parts that are not related to each other, so that some parts of the bone appear to float
Causes of Fractures
Fractures occur when a bone is subjected to greater pressure than it can tolerate. The greater the pressure received by the bone, generally the more severe the severity of the fracture.
Conditions that can lead to fractures include:
- Injuries from falls, accidents, or fights
- Injuries from repeated knocking, for example when marching or playing sports
- Diseases that weaken bones, such as osteoporosis, osteogenesis imperfecta (a genetic disorder that causes brittle bones), bone infections, and bone cancer
Risk factors for fractures
Fractures can happen to anyone, but people are more at risk for the following factors:
- old age
- Female, especially those over 50 years old
- Have a sedentary lifestyle or sedentary lifestyle
- Lack of nutrition, especially calcium and vitamin D
- Taking corticosteroid drugs for a long time
- Have a habit of smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages
- Suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, or disorders of the endocrine glands
Symptoms of Fractures
The main symptom of a fracture is severe pain in the area where the bone was fractured. The pain will get worse when the part of the body that has the fracture is moved.
In general, the symptoms that can arise when a person experiences a fracture are:
- Severe pain in the fracture area
- Bruising and swelling in the injured area
- Bones sticking out of the skin, in open fractures
- Difficulty moving parts of the body that have broken bones
- Deformity or a difference in shape at the area of the fracture
- Tingling and numbness in the fractured area
When to go to the doctor
Fractures are an emergency condition that must be treated immediately. Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone around you has a broken bone. Immediate treatment in a hospital emergency department (IGD) is required if:
- Heavy bleeding occurs
- There is severe pain even though it only moves a little
- Bones sticking out of the skin
- The area where the fracture is broken is badly damaged
- Fractures occur in the head, neck, or back
- Fractures cause loss of consciousness
Fracture Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about symptoms, medical history, and whether the patient has had any previous injuries. Next, the doctor will perform a physical examination on the part of the body that has broken bones. During the examination, the doctor will look at the injured body area, touch and move the area or body part that is suspected of having a fracture.
To confirm the diagnosis and see the severity of the fracture, the doctor will perform scans, for example with X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. Blood tests and bone density checks can also be done to find out if there are other diseases that increase the risk of fractures.
Fracture Treatment
Treatment of fractures depends on the type experienced, the location of the fracture, and the patient's condition. Broadly speaking, fracture treatment aims to return the broken bone to its original position, and keep it from moving until new bone is formed that will connect the broken bone.
In fractures that cause heavy bleeding, first aid will be carried out by doctors to stabilize the patient's condition so that he does not fall into a state of shock.
Methods of treating fractures include:
- Administration of drugs, to relieve pain and prevent infection in open fractures
- Placing a cast made of plaster or fiberglass, to prevent the fractured bone from moving during the healing process
- Traction, to align broken bones and stretch surrounding muscles and tendons
- Surgery, to connect broken bones using pen, plate, screw, and rods special
Fractures can heal in months or years, depending on the patient's severity, age, and risk factors. Patients who experience fractures are required to carry out control according to the schedule given by the doctor to monitor the condition of the fracture.
Complications of Fractures
Untreated fractures can cause mild to severe complications, depending on the part of the body affected by the fracture. These complications include:
- Infection
- Bleeding that can lead to hypovolemic shock
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Compartment syndrome
- Avascular necrosis (tissue death)
- Malunion (incorrect bone fusion process)
- Non-union (broken bones cannot fuse again)
- Damage to nerves and blood vessels
- Permanent disability
Fracture Prevention
Fractures can't always be prevented, but you can reduce your risk of fracture by:
- Use safety equipment when driving, such as a seat belt when driving a car, or a helmet when riding a motorcycle
- Asking others for help to keep you from falling if you are climbing the folding ladder
- Wearing personal protective equipment when doing sports that involve impact or risk causing you to fall
- Doing exercise regularly to maintain body balance and increase bone strength, especially in people with osteoporosis
- Talk to your doctor about your need for nutrition or supplements to maintain bone health