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What Is A Bone Fracture?

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A fracture refers to when a bone cracks or breaks and any bone is susceptible to one. Fractures are classified as either compound (open) or simple (closed) where compound fractures comprise of clean breaks that only affect the bone, while simple fractures also impact the surrounding tissue. There are several different types of fractures and all require immediate orthopedic treatment.

Types of Bone Fractures

The most common types of fractures that are treated by our Atlanta orthopedic doctors include:

  • Transverse
  • Oblique
  • Hairline
  • Impacted
  • Spiral
  • Compression
  • Stress

Defining Each Type

  • Transverse – A break that occurs directly across a bone.
  • Oblique – A tilted or diagonal break.
  • Hairline – A partial or limited break that only impacts a minor portion of the bone. Because of how small hairline fractures are, imaging devices are often required for diagnoses.
  • Impacted – When a portion of a broken bone is pushed into another area of the bone.
  • Compression – most often found within the spine, this particular type of fracture refers to a complete breakdown of the bone.
  • Stress – A break that occurs as a result of repetitive actions that add significant stress and pressure to the bones. Mostly affects athletes.

Symptoms

Patients with a bone fracture often experience a combination of:

  • Inflammation
  • Deep bruises
  • Redness
  • Dull to sharp pain

 

Fractures typically diminish or temporarily eliminate personal mobility although results vary by each individual.

Orthopedic Treatment For Bone Fractures

Treatment is dictated by the characteristics of each patient’s fracture. Still, rest is always recommended and serves as the most critical aspect of any treatment program. Applying ice to the affected area tends to help reduce inflammation and numb any pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers may be prescribed to help address pain and inflammation. Most patients have their fracture immobilized for a particular length of time using a plaster cast, a sling, or crutches.

Complex fractures may require pins, screws, or nails to realign and keep the broken bone in place while it heals. Once you have fully recovered, most patients undergo physiotherapy to help restrengthen the damaged area, as well as restore mobility.

For stress fractures, patients are required to rest and refrain from any type of mild activity for up to eight weeks.

Avoiding Bone Fractures

Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet, exercising several times each week, and consuming plenty of calcium can help reduce the odds of experiencing a bone fracture. Carrying excess weight adds a tremendous amount of pressure and stress to the joints, as well as the bones, making them more susceptible to breaks. Smoking cigarettes also influences bone loss and can prevent you from completely recovering after an accident injury occurs.

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I’ve had a wonderful experience at AICA. The customer service is fantastic. The doctors and office staff were very caring and understanding of my situation. I’d highly recommend them to anyone!
Jordan C.
Jonesboro, GA
Thank you so much for the assistance! My back has never felt better, if you're ever in an accident and need healing this is the place to go!
Ryan M.
Jonesboro, GA
Love the atmosphere. Very relaxing. Everyone there gets 5 stars as far as I'm concerned. Excellent facility. Would definitely recommend.
Cassandra A.
Jonesboro, GA
Yesterday was my last day at AICA College Park since my accident in December, there is so much to say about the people who work here and the level of customer service, care, attention, friendliness, and overall amazing atmosphere that they provide. Location is perfect in College Park, right off the highway and in a small plaza with plenty of parking. The entire staff, from the front desk girls, to the physical therapy girls, to the chiros, and the medical team are AMAZING! I feel like I just lost my friends not being able to visit them twice a week every week. I will definitely miss coming here. All the smiles and warm welcomes received. The physical therapy - asking about my day, if everything is okay and helping my back and neck get better. I had the pleasure of having Dr. Hector as my chiropractor, he is awesome, was very helpful in the healing process and also a native Spanish speaker which is a plus for those of us who do speak Spanish. Before coming to AICA, I tried another injury clinic in ATL and walked out after 5 mins - so impersonal and cold. I am so glad that I found AICA in College Park. Trust me, if you are injured and need some healing and TLC you NEED to come to this clinic! Highly recommend to everyone. Thank you again to the guys and girls at AICA - xo Ms. Colon
Francheska Colon
College Park, GA
WOW, THIS IS AN AMAZING PLACE OF BUSINESS FROM THE RECEPTION DESK TO THE DOCTORS OFFICE AND TREATMENT ROOM. I RECEIVED THE BEST CARE AND INFORMATION CONCERNING MY INJURIES. EXCELLENT SERVICE. I WILL BE BACK. I RECOMMEND THIS BUSINESS.
Sherille Gayle
College Park, GA
The ladies at Aica are very helpful and nice, I really enjoyed my visits to the office personally I’m going to refer friends in the near future.
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College Park, GA
Great service and treatment.
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College Park, GA
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Lawrenceville, GA