Pediatric Fractures Broken Bone Specialist Q&A

A broken bone is also known as a fracture, however, there are a number of different terms that are used to describe different kinds of fractures, including compound (bone pierces through the skin, becoming visible), hairline (smaller break that does not separate the bone), and comminuted (breaks the bone into fragments).

When a bone breaks, it can be an intense experience filled with pain that can range from mild to excruciating and present visual signs of a physical injury, such as deformity and discoloration. Aside from contusion, disfigurement and physical discomfort, other common signs and symptoms of a broken bone include:

– Loss of Motion — The loss of motion, including difficulty moving a limb or using a joint’s full range of motion, is an immediate sign of a broken bone. An injury in the hand, wrist, ankle or foot can make it difficult or even impossible to move the broken limb.

– Crepitation — When a person with a broken bone moves, the fractured bones can rub together, resulting in a crackling sound known as crepitation, or crepitus. This is best described as a grating, grinding or crunching sensation around the affected joint or bone. In some cases, crepitation may not be the result of broken bones; it can also result from bone rubbing against cartilage, which is common after a soft-tissue injury, as well as prolonged mobility or hyperextension.

– Swelling — When an injury occurs, the body triggers an increase in the movement of white blood cells and fluids to the affected area, causing it to become swollen.

The human body has incredible restorative and reparative powers; its internal processes silently work without any commands, innately repairing damaged or diseased tissues. The same is true for a bone fracture; when a bone breaks, a blood clot forms around the break, then bone cells begin to form until the fracture heals. However, the proper conditions must be present in order for a broken bone to properly heal. In most cases, the broken bone must be immobilized in order to prevent excess movement that could misalign the fracture. In complex cases, fractured bones require surgical intervention, particularly when the bone shatters into fragments (comminuted fracture).

The way a broken bone heals depends on the type of break as well as its severity and location. In cases of stress fractures, transverse breaks, and oblique (nondisplaced) fractures, the bones mostly remain in the same place and do not require surgery to correct their position. However, compound and comminuted fractures typically require invasive surgical procedures in order for them to heal properly.

In most situations, a broken bone must be immobilized, which is typically achieved by casting, bracing or splinting the injured area. Minor breaks that occur in the toes may only receive a simple taping or covering, or they may not require any special treatment, as long as the pieces of the bone fit snugly together.

Call us today to book an appointment with our pediatric fractures/broken bone specialist, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 1680 Lee Road, Winter Park, FL 32789. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Winter Park FL, Goldenrod FL, Lockhart FL, Maitland FL, Casselberry FL, Apopka FL, and Oviedo, FL.