STEM HEALTH SYSTEMS
FRACTURE CARE
A fracture is a broken bone, the same as a crack or a break. A bone may be completely fractured or partially fractured in any number of ways (crosswise, lengthwise, in multiple pieces). Although bones are rigid, they do bend, or give, somewhat when an outside force is applied. However, if the force is too great, bones will break, just as a plastic ruler breaks when it is bent too far.
Symptoms
Many fractures are very painful and may prevent you from moving the injured area. Other common symptoms include:
- Swelling and tenderness around the injury
- Bruising
- Deformity — a limb may look out of place, or a part of the bone may puncture through the skin
Doctor Examination
Your doctor will do a careful examination to assess your overall condition, as well as the extent of the injury. They will talk with you about how the injury occurred, your symptoms, and your medical history.
The most common way to evaluate a fracture is with X-rays, which provide clear images of bone. They can also show the type of fracture and exactly where it is located within the bone. STEM Health Systems in Frankemuth has x-ray on site with same day results.
There is no one-size-fits-all fracture treatment. We will look at each patient’s fracture and health and choose the techniques and treatments that will:
Put the bone back together
Control the pain
Give the bone time to heal
Prevent complications
Restore function in the affected area
Untreated Bone Fractures Can Easily Lead To Lifelong Pain And Disability.
Casts and splints support and protect injured bones and soft tissue. When you break a bone, your doctor will put the pieces back together in the right position. Casts and splints hold the bones in place while they heal. They also reduce pain, swelling, and muscle spasm. STEM Health Systems in Frankenmuth and Clio have splints onsite and casting available by Dr. Mohammad Jondy, Board Certified in Sports Medicine.
Sometimes, however, doctors cannot complete the reduction process with a cast alone. Because fractures vary in severity and type, sometimes surgery and other techniques are necessary to reduce and immobilize the bone while it heals.
In these cases we would refer you or your family member to an Orthopedic Surgeon of your choice or assist in choosing one that is right for your needs.