Home » Orthopedics » Orthopedic Conditions » Fractures

Fractures

The experts at Swift Orthopedics are pleased to provide first-rate fracture treatment to the residents of Reno, Nevada, Carson City, and surrounding areas. We’re a full-service clinic that includes a team of skilled physicians, occupational and physical therapists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners.

What are the different types of fractures?

There is actually a wide array of different types of fractures, including:

Comminuted fractures — A comminuted fracture occurs when the broken bone shatters into at least three pieces.
Compound fractures — In some cases, a broken bone can tear through the surrounding skin. This is known as a “compound” or “open” fracture. If you’ve sustained a compound fracture, you should seek treatment at an emergency room as soon as possible.
Greenstick fractures — When a bone partially breaks on one side, but only bends on the other side, it’s referred to as a “greenstick fracture.” This type of fracture is more likely to occur in children since their bones tend to be more elastic.
Hairline fractures — Also known as “stress fractures,” hairline fractures are characterized by tiny cracks in a bone, often resulting from overuse or repetitive motion.
Pathologic fractures — Pathologic fractures occur as the result of underlying medical conditions that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis, infections, and certain types of cancer.

What are the symptoms of a fracture?

The symptoms of a fracture will vary depending on the type and severity of the break, the location of the broken bone, and the age and general health of the patient. With that being said, some common symptoms of a fracture include:

Bruising
Deformity
Inability to move the affected bone
Pain
Swelling

How are fractures treated?

In general, bones are able to heal themselves naturally, so treatment involves creating an environment that will support this natural healing process. This often requires realigning the pieces of bone (a process known as “reduction”), then immobilizing the area by applying a cast or inserting plates, screws, rods, or pins. In some cases, once healing has occurred, physical therapy will be necessary to improve strength and mobility in the affected area.

Trauma Fracture Care

Whether you’ve suffered from a spinal fracture or a finger fracture, you need an orthopedic specialist who knows all the latest techniques in fracture care. We offer the most qualified orthopedists with the latest equipment and a wide range of treatments in a positive, patient comfort-focused environment. You will be cared for by a skilled, highly credentialed, experienced orthopedic surgeon who can help you reclaim your movement and lifestyle. By repairing your fracture using state-of-the-art techniques, Swift Institute orthopedic specialist will help restore your independence and help you get back to the activities you enjoy.

Caring for the hardest tissues in the human body

Bones are the hardest tissues in your body. Although bones are strong, they can split or break under too much pressure or force. A broken bone is also called a fracture. Fractures can occur in a variety of ways. The most common causes of fractures are injuries, prolonged stress from overuse and bone-weakening diseases such as osteoporosis or tumors.

There are many types of fractures. They can range from a hairline crack to a bone that has broken into several pieces. Simple fractures may only require casting or splinting treatments. More complex fractures may need surgical intervention to align the bones for proper healing.

As an adult, you have over 200 bones in your body. Your bones vary in size and shape. For instance, your arms and legs contain long bones. A series of small bones, called vertebrae, make up your spine. Very small bones form your hands and feet. Some of your bones have curves, including your ribs and skull. All of your bones line up and connect to form your skeleton.

In addition to creating your body structure, your bones are live tissues that produce blood cells, form joints with muscles for movement and protect your internal organs. Your bones change and grow like the other parts of your body.

A board-certified orthopedic surgeon helps you get back to the life you enjoy

The treatment for a fracture depends on the type of fracture and the bones involved. The goal of treatment is to align the fractured bones to allow them to heal. When a bone is fractured, it produces a protective blood clot and callus at the end of the bones. The ends of the bones create new bone cells and blood vessels that grow toward each other. Once the fracture is healed or closed, the callus is absorbed.

Your doctor will use your X-ray as a guide to “set,” or position, your bones. Some bones can be kept in place with a cast while they heal. The cast keeps the bones from moving. The hard surface of the cast protects the injury. Casts are made of a variety of materials. They are usually worn for about one to two months, depending on the type of fracture and the bone involved.

Restoring your health & function safely & quickly

Our ultimate goal is to restore your health and function so you can get back to your sports, work and normal activities and the life you love, as quickly and safely as possible.