What are fractures?

Fractures are breaks or cracks in your bones. Although bones are extremely strong and have a small degree of flexibility, they can snap or shatter under enough stress.

Fractures range in seriousness from a simple break where the bones are still in alignment to a compound fracture where tissue damage exposes the bones.

What are some common kinds of fractures?

Types of fractures often seen at Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine include:

Shoulder fractures

A shoulder fracture is a break in the head of the proximal humerus — the ball at the top of your arm bone. It can result from direct trauma to your shoulder and is also common in older people with bones that have been weakened by osteoporosis.

Stress fractures

Stress fractures are tiny cracks that occur because of overuse or excessive stress. The stress can make your muscles tired and unable to absorb shock, which passes through to the bones, causing fractures.

Hip fractures 

A hip fracture typically breaks the upper femur (thighbone). It may occur in the neck of the femur, just below the ball-shaped head that forms the hip joint, or below the neck. Hip fractures can result from sports injuries, auto accidents, and falls. 

Older people, especially those with the bone disease osteoporosis, are particularly vulnerable to hip fractures.

Patella fracture (broken kneecap)

The patella is a bone at the front of your knee that covers the joint. It helps protect the knee and provides strength and stability. Fractures are typically due to a fall or direct blow, but sometimes the quadriceps muscle in the knee can suddenly contract, causing the patella to crack.

Tibial fractures

A tibial fracture is a break in your shin bone (tibia). Shaft fractures along the bone are the most common and severe. Tibial plateau fractures around the knee joint and tibial plafond fractures around the ankle joint can affect the cartilage and soft tissues.

How are fractures treated?

Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine tailors your fracture treatment to the severity of the injury. Options include:

• Rest
• Immobilization in a brace or splint
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Taping
• Orthotic devices
• Using crutches

Many fractures need surgery to realign the bones and repair soft tissues. Severe fractures might need plates and screws, rods, or external fixators to hold the repaired bone together. In some cases, such as a severely fractured hip, you might need joint replacement surgery.

For expert fracture care, call Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine today, or book an appointment online.