Simply put, a fracture is the medical term for a cracked or broken bone. Although human bones are very strong, they have a limit to their ability to withstand stress. If the impact or pressure exceeds the bone's strength, a fracture occurs. This condition can affect anyone, from children to the elderly.
Understanding Different Types of Bone Fractures
Not all fractures look the same. Doctors divide them into several categories based on the shape of the fracture and how it affects the skin:
- Based on Skin Wounds:
- Closed Fracture: The bone breaks internally, without breaking the skin.
- Open Fracture: The bone breaks through the skin and is visible. This increases the risk of infection.
- Based on Fault Form:
- Comminuted: The bone breaks into several small pieces.
- Greenstick: The bone is only partially fractured (often occurs in children because their bones are still flexible).
- Stress/Pressure: Small cracks due to continuous pressure, usually in athletes.
- Pathological: A fracture that occurs because the bone is weakened by disease (such as osteoporosis).
- Transversal & Oblique: The bone breaks horizontally or sideways (diagonally).
Common Symptoms
Besides the apparent deformity of the injured area, common symptoms of fracture include:
- Severe pain and aching when trying to move.
- Swelling, bruising, or changes in skin color may appear in the affected area.
- The injured limb is difficult or completely immovable.
- Systemic Effects: If the fracture is a large bone (such as the thigh or pelvis), the sufferer may feel dizzy, nauseous, pale, or even faint.
Why Do Bones Break?
The main cause is pressure that the bones cannot withstand. However, the risks vary by age:
- Children: Most often experience fractures due to high physical activity.
- Elderly: More susceptible to fractures even from minor falls, because their bones tend to be brittle due to aging or osteoporosis.
Possible Complications
A broken bone is not just a "bone" problem, but can affect other organs if not treated properly:
- Blood Loss: Bones have a large blood supply, so a large fracture can cause bleeding.
- Organ Damage: For example, a rib fracture that punctures a lung or a skull fracture that injures the brain.
- Growth Problems: If it occurs in children, bone growth may be stunted or the bones may become misaligned (tilted) as they heal.
- Infection: Especially in cases of open fractures.
How Doctors at EMC Tangerang Hospital Diagnose and Treat Fractures
To determine the condition of the bones in the body, the doctor will take the following steps:
- Diagnosis: Begins with a physical examination, followed by X-rays . If the fracture is difficult to see, your doctor may recommend a CT scan, MRI, or bone scan .
- Treatment: The main principle is to return the bone to its original position and keep it from shifting during the healing process.
- Non-Surgical: Using a cast or splint to lock the bone in place.
- Surgery: Surgery may be necessary for severe cases to insert an internal brace (such as a pin).
Knowing the type and early symptoms of fracture is very important so that sufferers get the right first aid and avoid permanent disability.
For accurate diagnosis and comprehensive medical treatment, you can visit EMC Tangerang Hospital as the best Orthopedic service center in Tangerang City, Banten.
EMC Tangerang Hospital is supported by a team of experienced orthopedic surgeons and advanced diagnostic facilities such as MRI and CT scans at competitive prices. We are ready to provide the best emergency and reconstructive care, so you can return to active movement without hindrance.
This article has been reviewed by Dr. Karisa Kartika Sukotjo, Sp.OT (Orthopedic & Traumatology Specialist, EMC Tangerang & Sentul Hospital).