Wockhardt Hospitals

Patient's Experiences

Call Toll Free: UK: 0-808-234-6343 | US Canada: 1-800-730-6373

About the Hospital

	Innovative Technology --Operation Theatre --Diagnostic Imaging --Endoscopic Spinal Instruments --Hopkins-II Telescope --Endovision Tricam SL with Arthroscope And Spinal Endoscopes
	Clinical Team

About the Bone

	Muscular Skeletal System
	Diseases and Disorders --Osteoporosis --Arthritis --Bone Fractures
	Symptoms and Diagnosis --Osteoporosis --Arthritis --Bone Fractures
	Health Tips

International Toll Free Helplines
UK Toll Free : 0-808-234-6343
US Canada Toll Free : 1-800-730-6373

	Wockhardt Heart Care
	Wockhardt Brain & Spine Care
	Wockhardt Eye Care
	Wockhardt Bone & Joint Care
	Minimal Access Surgery Hospital

SYMTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS

BONE FRACTURES

Symptoms

A fractured limb will be swollen, bruised, tender and immobile. Pain is described as anything from a deep ache to a very sharp pain and is made worse by movement. Because bones have a rich blood supply, fracture can lead to substantial blood loss (blood loss can also occur due to damage of surrounding tissue). It is common for victims to feel nauseous, in extreme cases, blood loss can lead to a more serious condition called Shock, in which the victim collapses entirely.

A visibly out-of-place or misshapen limb or joint
Limitation or unwillingness to move a limb
Swelling
Intense Pain
Bruising
Numbness & Tingling

Treatment

First aid or emergency workers will provide a splint or a brace before moving someone with a broken bone, as movement can cause additional damage, and also may harm surrounding tissues and nerves. The injured body part is often elevated to reduce bleeding and swelling.

X-ray

Suspected fractures are confirmed by X ray to provide a clear picture of the type of fracture and degree of displacement. Since fractured bone begins to heal immediately, it is important for it to be repositioned quickly, a process that may require a local anesthetic or surgery.

Internal Fixation

In this procedure, the ends of bones may be re-connected surgically, with the use of metal pins or rods. The most common types of internal fixation are wires, plates, rods, pins, nails and screws used inside the body to support the bone directly.

External Fixation

In this procedure, pins or screws are connected to a metal bar outside of the skin. The bar acts as a stabilizing frame that holds the bones in place while they heal. Later the pins will be removed once the bone has healed. Pins, screws and rods are also used to construct external fixation such as frames and rings.

Although they are outside the body, the screws and pins go through the skin and muscle to connect to the bone. In this way, they differ from casts and splints, which rely solely on external support.

Traction

One of the treatment may also involve a procedure called traction, in which part of the body is placed under gentle, steady tension or pulling, in order to re-align broken bones. Traction is often used for fractures of the neck, in order to avoid movement of the vertebrae, which could injure the spinal cord.

Splints & Cast

Splints and casts support and protect injured bones and soft tissue, reducing pain, swelling and muscle spasm. Splints are also called "half casts", it usually provides less support than casts. However, splints can be adjusted to accommodate swelling from injuries easier than enclosed casts.

Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty is a treatment procedure developed by interventional radiologists to stabilize broken bones in the spine caused by Osteoporosis. In this procedure, a small needle is inserted through the skin and into the crushed vertebrae. Surgical bone cement called Poly-methylmethacrylate is injected into the bone to stabilize it. Often, more than one-crushed vertebrae can be treated in a single procedure. Surgery is not required because the doctor is able to guide the needle to the right spot using special X-ray equipment.