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FRACTURES TREATMENTS |
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Fracture treatment depends on fracture type, severity, the
individual's age, and his or her general health. The first priority
in treating any fracture is to address the entire medical status of
the individual. If an open fracture is accompanied by serious soft
tissue injury, it may be necessary to control bleeding and the shock
that can accompany loss of blood. First aid is the initial treatment in emergency situations. It includes proper splinting, control of blood loss, and monitoring vital signs such as breathing and circulation. Immobilization Immobilization of the fracture site can be done internally or externally. The primary goal of immobilization is to maintain the realignment of the bone long enough for healing to start and progress. Immobilization by external fixation uses splints, casts, or braces; this may be the primary and only procedure for fracture treatment. Splinting to immobilize a fracture can be done with or without traction. In emergency situations, splinting is a useful form of fracture management, if the injured individual must be moved by someone other than a trained medical person. It should be done without causing additional pain and without moving the bone segments. In a clinical environment, plaster of Paris casts are used for immobilization. Braces are useful as they often allow movement above and below the fracture site. Treatments for stress fractures include rest and decreasing or stopping any activity that causes or increases pain. Fracture reduction Fracture reductions are either closed or open. Closed reduction refers to realigning the bones without breaking the skin. It is accomplished using manipulation and/or traction and is commonly done with some kind of anesthetic. Open reduction primarily refers to surgery that is performed to realign the bones. Fractures with little or no displacement may not require any form of reduction. Traction is used to help reposition the bone. It works by applying pressure to restore proper alignment. The traction device immobilizes the area and maintains the realignment as the bone heals. The fractured bone is immobilized by applying opposing force at both ends of the injured area, using an equal amount of traction and countertraction. Weights provide the traction pull needed or the pull is achieved by positioning the individual's body weight. Traction is a form of closed reduction and is sometimes used as an alternative to surgery. Since it restricts movement of the affected limb or body part, it may confine the patient to bed rest for an extended period of time. A patient may need open reduction if he or she has an open, severe, or comminuted fracture. This procedure allows the physician to examine and surgically correct associated soft tissue damage while reducing the fracture and if necessary applying internal or external devices. Internal fixation is a surgical procedure that is required when the fracture cannot be reduced by closed fracture methods. Internal fixation devices include plates, nails, screws, and rods. When healing is complete, the physician may or may not elect to remove these devices. Alternative treatment Aside from the importance of calcium for strong bones, many alternative treatment approaches advocate mineral supplements to help build and maintain a healthy, resilient skeleton. Some physical therapists use electro-stimulation over a fractured site to promote and expedite healing. Chinese traditional medicine may be helpful by working to reconnect the chi through the meridian lines along the line of a fracture. Homeopathy can enhance the body's healing process. Two particularly useful homeopathic remedies are Arnica (Arnica montana) and Symphytum (Symphytum officinalis). If possible, applying contrast hydrotherapy to an extremity (e.g., a hand or foot) of the fractured area can assist healing by enhancing circulation. |
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