12 Common Bone Fractures and the Role of Orthopedic Surgery
Read about the importance of proper care for bone fractures and gain insights into various fracture types and surgical repairs. Offering expertise, precision, and personalized treatment, Dr. James Chen’s practice in the Bay Area provides comprehensive care for fracture repair, prioritizing patient well-being and optimal outcomes.
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When it comes to fractures, getting the right orthopedic care is crucial for a speedy recovery and maintaining bone health. With some estimated 178 million fractures annually worldwide, the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment for these bone fractures is critical in an age of misinformation.
Unfortunately, instances of undiagnosed fractures and misdiagnosed fractures are all too common. That being said, visiting an orthopedic office should be your first step if you are experiencing symptoms of a bone fracture in the Bay Area.
Read on to learn more about fractures, fracture repairs, and when to see an orthopedic professional.
Types of Bone Fractures
Fractures are often classified as open (compound) or closed (simple). An open fracture involves a clean break affecting only the bone, while a closed fracture affects both the bone and the surrounding tissue and skin.
Fractures can take various forms, with common types including:
Transverse fracture
Oblique fracture
Hairline fracture
Impacted fracture
Spiral fracture
Compression fracture
Stress fracture
When it comes to fractures, they’re not all the same. Orthopedic surgeons are the experts because they specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries, ensuring that you receive the most appropriate care for your specific fracture to promote optimal healing and recovery.
Here are 12 bone fractures that an orthopedic surgeon should treat:
1. Ankle Fracture Repair
This surgical procedure repairs fractures of one or both ankle bones by making an incision to expose the broken bone. Additional incisions are made if both bones need repair. The bone fragments are then aligned and fitted with a metal plate and screws to maintain stability while healing. In some cases, fractures can be repaired with screws alone.
2. Clavicle Fracture Repair
This surgical procedure realigns and fixates a broken clavicle, otherwise known as a broken collarbone, by making an incision to expose the broken bone. The bone fragments are then aligned and fitted with a metal plate and screws to maintain stability while healing.
3. Elbow Fracture Repair
This surgical procedure repairs a broken olecranon process of the ulna bone by making an incision along the back of the elbow. Soft tissues are carefully dissected to expose the broken bone. The bone fragments are aligned and secured in place with a plate and screws. The adequacy of fracture reduction and the placement of the plate and screws are verified during surgery with an X-ray.
4. Femur Fracture Repair
This surgical procedure repairs a broken femur bone. The method of repair, whether with a plate and screws or a rod introduced into the bone canal (intramedullary nail), depends on the location of the break.
5. Forearm Fracture Repair
This surgical procedure repairs fractures of one or both bones of the forearm by making an incision to expose the broken bone. An additional incision is made if both bones need repair. The bone fragments are then aligned and fitted with a metal plate and screws to maintain stability while healing.
6. Hip Fracture Repair
This surgical procedure repairs a femur that is broken near the hip joint by making an incision on the upper, outer thigh to access the bone. The broken bone is aligned and confirmed using an X-ray. Screws can then be used to span the broken portion of the bone and secure the fragments in place. Some hip fractures also require the use of a plate or a short rod in the femur to ensure appropriate alignment and fixation. If these devices are used, one or two additional small incisions may be used to secure the lower end with screws. The placement of all components and the alignment of the bone are confirmed with an X-ray.
7. Humerus Fracture Repair
This surgical procedure realigns and fixates a broken humerus bone by making an incision to expose the broken bone. The bone fragments are then aligned and fitted with a metal plate and screws to maintain stability while healing.
8. Patella Fracture Repair
This surgical procedure repairs a torn quadriceps tendon by making an incision above the kneecap to expose and inspect the torn tendon. Several sutures are passed through the free ends of the tendon, and small holes can be drilled in the patella for suture passage to reinforce a tear near the kneecap. The free ends of the tendon are brought together and secured by tying together sutures from either end of the torn tendon.
9. Percutaneous Scaphoid Repair
This minimally invasive surgical procedure repairs some fractures of the scaphoid bone by making a small incision on the wrist near the base of the scaphoid bone. A wire is advanced into the scaphoid bone using a drill, and its positioning is verified throughout using an X-ray. Once the pin is appropriately positioned, a larger hole is drilled over the wire, and the fracture is aligned and secured with a screw.
10. Shoulder Fracture Repair
This surgical procedure realigns and fixates a broken humerus bone near the ball of the shoulder joint by making an incision to expose the broken bone. The bone fragments are then aligned and fitted with a metal plate and screws to maintain stability while healing.
11. Tibia Fracture Repair
This surgical procedure repairs a broken tibia bone. The method of repair, whether with a plate and screws or a rod introduced into the bone canal (intramedullary nail), depends on the location of the break.
12. Wrist Distal Radius Fracture Repair
This surgical procedure repairs a broken radius near the wrist that will not heal appropriately with casting alone by making an incision in line with the radius bone of the forearm. Soft tissues are carefully dissected to expose the broken bone, and the bone fragments are aligned and fitted with a metal plate and screws to maintain stability while healing. The adequacy of fracture reduction and the placement of the plate are verified during surgery with an X-ray.
The Benefits of Orthopedic Care for Bone Fracture Repair:
Expertise: Orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating musculoskeletal injuries, ensuring that your fracture is treated with the highest level of skill and knowledge.
Precision: Orthopedic surgeons use advanced techniques and tools to ensure that your fracture is repaired with precision, promoting optimal healing and recovery.
Comprehensive Care: Orthopedic surgeons provide comprehensive care, from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, ensuring that all aspects of your fracture are addressed.
Faster Recovery: With expert care from an orthopedic surgeon, you can expect a faster and more efficient recovery from your fracture, allowing you to return to your normal activities sooner.
Reduced Risk of Complications: Orthopedic surgeons are trained to minimize the risk of complications during and after fracture repair, ensuring a smooth and successful recovery process.
Personalized Treatment: Orthopedic surgeons tailor their treatment approach to each patient's unique needs, ensuring that you receive personalized care that is tailored to your specific fracture and overall health.
Long-Term Benefits: By having your fracture repaired by an orthopedic surgeon, you can expect long-term benefits such as improved mobility, function, and overall quality of life.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Orthopedic surgeons work in state-of-the-art facilities equipped with the latest technologies and resources, ensuring that you receive the best possible care for your fracture.
Where to Find the Best Orthopedic Surgeon for Fractures in The Bay Area
Led by Dr. James Chen, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, our practice prioritizes patient comfort and well-being throughout the fracture repair process. From diagnosis to treatment and recovery, our team is committed to providing comprehensive care that addresses each patient's unique needs. With state-of-the-art facilities and advanced surgical techniques, we ensure that our patients receive the highest quality care for their fracture repair needs.
Dr. Chen is an expert orthopedic surgeon in San Francisco whose treatment and personalized touch promotes the best possible outcomes for his patients in San Francisco. He specializes in sports-related injuries and offers minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery for the knee, shoulder, elbow, hip, and ankle.
In addition to joint repair and replacement with arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Chen offers fracture repair for patients with fractured bones. This type of surgery involves anatomic fixation of broken bones with plates and screws. Dr. Chen and his staff work closely with each patient to determine the precise nature of the fracture and the best course of treatment. His practice also features an x-ray machine and ultrasound for patients in need of further examination, allowing patients to receive comprehensive care on site, from diagnosis to the first steps toward recovery.
Ready to mobility and function after a fracture with the finest care from San Francisco’s top orthopedic surgeon? Book online or contact us today!
