FRACTURE CARE

Fractures (breaks in the bones) can be exceptionally painful and cause long-term loss of function. If you suffer a broken bone, ensure you get the best fracture care by visiting board-certified orthopedic surgeons at AZ Ortho in Scottsdale, Arizona. They excel at assessing and repairing fractures of all kinds, including complex ones requiring surgery. To discuss your fracture care needs, call AZ Ortho or book an appointment online today.

What is fracture care?

A fracture (broken bone) is a serious injury that requires expert treatment. Receiving the proper fracture care early on can help the bones heal more quickly and prevent long-term complications like chronic pain and weakness.

Fractures happen if your bones come under excessive pressure. Trauma from auto accidents, sports injuries, and falls are common causes of fractures. You’re more likely to fracture a bone if you have a condition like osteoporosis (which reduces your bones’ density) or osteoarthritis, where years of wear-and-tear damage the cartilage in your joints.

The AZ Ortho team provides comprehensive fracture care. They can treat everything from simple, clean breaks to severe damage requiring complex orthopedic surgery.

What symptoms indicate I need fracture care? Fractures often cause intense, acute pain, and symptoms such as:

• A visible lump or deformity
• Swelling
• Difficulty bearing weight
• Bruising
• Redness and heat
• Problems moving the affected area

Fracture symptoms vary depending on the kind of break and its severity. For example, a comminuted fracture (where the bone breaks into multiple pieces) or a compound fracture (where the bone is visible) are likely to be particularly painful. On the other hand, stress fractures (hairline cracks caused by overuse) cause chronic pain that worsens over time.

People sometimes mistake injuries like hand, foot, and ankle fractures for sprains or strains, which require different treatment. The only way to be sure what kind of injury you have and get the proper treatment is to visit AZ Ortho for an expert diagnosis.

The team completes a thorough physical exam and looks at X-rays of the injury. They may also order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan for a more detailed view of the damage.

What does fracture care involve?

The fracture care you require varies depending on the injury’s severity. A simple fracture where the bones are still in alignment might only need immobilization with a cast or brace while it heals.

If the bones are out of alignment, the AZ Ortho team can perform a closed reduction, manipulating the fractured ends back into place first. If this approach isn’t possible, you might require surgery to repair and reposition the bones.

Surgery could involve using internal fixation (placing pins, screws, or rods in the broken bones) or external fixation, such as a metal cage, to support the healing bones.

To learn more about the exceptional fracture care provided by AZ Ortho, call the office or book an appointment online today.