Millions of people sustain a bone fracture injury every year in the United States. While many broken bones happen traumatically — on the sports field, in a car collision, or during an accidental fall — many others emerge silently, as a result of bone-weakening osteoporosis, or ongoing repetitive use damage.
Fractures heal best when they receive prompt expert care. If you have a suspected bone break, our Sports Medicine Oregon team can help. With offices in Tigard and Wilsonville, Oregon, we offer on-site diagnostic X-rays for a swift diagnosis and exacting treatment.
Read on as our board-certified orthopedists discuss the ins and outs of bone fracture injuries, including the nonsurgical treatments used to facilitate healing.
Most bone fractures are caused by one of the following:
Physical injury is a leading cause of bone fractures. Car accidents, sports mishaps, slip-and-fall incidents, and other traumatic-force events can easily push bone tissue past its breaking point.
Repeated movements can fatigue your muscles and put pressure on underlying bones, leaving them more vulnerable to stress fractures. Athletes who don’t cross-train and people who have physical, repetitive jobs are more susceptible to these common overuse injuries.
This progressive disease makes bones weaker, thinner, and more porous, dramatically increasing the risk of sustaining a fracture. People with osteoporosis are more likely to suffer a major fracture in a minor fall, or even break a bone during routine activities.
Bone tissue possesses just enough rigidity to give your body structure and support — but also just enough flexibility to provide a certain amount of “give” under pressure. A bone breaks when an outside force pushes it beyond its intrinsic structural flexibility, causing it to fracture.
The magnitude and direction of this outside force determines the type (break pattern) and severity of the resulting fracture. A force that’s slightly greater than a bone’s “fracture point” may cause a simple hairline crack, while an intense force may shatter the bone into pieces.
Treatment for all broken bones aims to achieve stability. No matter the particulars of a specific fracture care plan, this means ensuring that the parts of a broken bone are in the right position, then kept immobilized in that position until they heal back together (reunite).
Complex bone fracture cases — including serious injuries where a bone is broken in multiple places or in a way that compromises its future integrity — typically require surgery.
This may require an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) procedure where we physically realign the bone and put its pieces back in place. Afterward, we use rods, screws, or plates to fortify and secure its structure, followed by a period of immobilization to foster healing.
Luckily, the average broken bone doesn’t require surgical treatment. Instead, most mild to moderate fracture injuries heal well with a prescribed period of immobilization. Depending on the nature and location of the fracture injury, we may prescribe:
Made from plaster or fiberglass, a hard cast is molded to fit the injured extremity. It can be applied right away, even when there’s still significant inflammation, but must be replaced once swelling has gone down, so it fits properly for the duration of healing (typically six to eight weeks).
Splints, also known as half-casts or orthotic braces, can be rigid like a hard cast, or made from a slightly more flexible material. Like casts, they keep the injured bone immobile to facilitate optimal healing. Compared to a closed hard cast, a splint can be adjusted to accommodate swelling more easily.
If you’ve injured your shoulder, collarbone, elbow, forearm, or wrist, you may need to keep your arm in a simple fabric shoulder sling, in addition to wearing a cast. A sling keeps your arm close to your body, limiting movement to support healing.
If you’ve fractured a bone in your foot, ankle, or lower leg, you may benefit most from a full, partial, or non-weight-bearing walking boot, also known as an orthopedic boot. These hard, immobilizing devices contain padding and adjustable straps for a snug, custom fit.
Think you may have broken a bone? Our seasoned orthopedists are here to help. Call or click online to schedule an evaluation at your nearest Sports Medicine Oregon location in Tigard or Wilsonville, Oregon, today.
