Every year, more than 1 million fractures occur in the United States, affecting men, women, and children. Tyson Christensen, MD, and the expert team at San Juan Health Partners Orthopedics provide complete fracture care for patients of all ages, including in-office X-rays. If you or a loved one has a fracture, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Fractures Q&A
What is a fracture?
Fractures are also known as broken bones. A fracture occurs when your bone experiences a strong force or impact too great for it to endure. When this happens, the bone can break in a variety of ways.
The caring team at San Juan Health Partners Orthopedics treats a wide range of fractures, including:
- Closed fractures, in which the skin isn’t broken
- Open fractures that cause a break in the skin (compound fractures)
- Partial fractures that don’t involve a complete break in the bone
- Complete fractures that cause the bone to break into separate pieces
- Stress fractures that cause a hairline crack in the bone
If you experience an open wound with bone sticking through, or it is deep enough to allow you to see the bone, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
What causes fractures?
Fractures are common injuries that can occur in many different ways. Common causes include:
- Trauma, such as a car accident or fall from a height
- Sports injuries, such as a football tackle
- Overuse, such as a stress fracture in the foot of a distance runner
- Osteoporosis, a disease that causes your bones to weaken and break easily
The team treats all types of fractures, including pediatric fractures in children and osteoporosis-related fractures in older adults.
How do I know if I have a fracture?
Most fractures cause intense pain at the time of injury. You may also experience the following signs and symptoms:
- Swelling and bruising
- Tenderness
- Difficulty moving the injured area
- A deformity, such as the limb or joint looking misshapen
Symptoms may be similar to other injuries, such as sprains and strains. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis at San Juan Health Partners Orthopedics.
How are fractures diagnosed and treated?
First, your provider asks how the injury occurred and assesses your overall condition. They may take an in-office X-ray to evaluate your injury and confirm the presence of a fracture.
Then, they develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Fracture care typically involves realigning the bone and immobilizing it in a cast or brace while it heals. Severe or complex fractures may require surgery, such as total knee replacement.
Prompt fracture care is essential to reduce your risk of developing post-traumatic arthritis in the future.
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