Breaking News: Get the Facts on Fractures

According to Thomas S. Muzzonigro, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Tri Rivers Surgical Associates, bones contain calcium and phosphorus that combine to form a strong, lattice-like structure. A bone’s center, or marrow, is softer than its outer layers and rich with molecules that develop into red and white blood cells that provide the body with oxygen and protect it against illness. Bones are strong enough to bear large amounts of weight but flexible enough to absorb most outside forces that are applied to them.

"If you fall onto your outstretched hand, the bones of your wrist, hand and arm will give slightly to absorb some of the impact and then will return to their original shape," he said. "If the force is too great, however, the bones will break, resulting in a fracture."

Depending on the amount of force that caused the fracture, a bone may develop a small crack or it may break all the way through. In cases such as a severe automobile accident, the bone may shatter into many pieces. Fractures in which the bone is broken but the skin is not lacerated are called closed, or simple, fractures. Open, or compound, fractures occur when the broken bone either pierces the skin or a break occurs in the skin at the time of fracture.

When a bone breaks, many people experience severe pain that makes it difficult, if not impossible, to move the affected body part. In some cases, when a fracture is less severe, a person may not experience any pain. Because breaking a bone is a shock to the entire body, you may also feel dizzy and experience chills or vomiting.

"Any fracture, regardless of severity, should be evaluated by a physician to ensure proper treatment and prevent complications," Dr. Muzzonigro said.

On the way to the emergency room or doctor’s office, try not to move the injured area to prevent further damage to the bone, nearby blood vessels and nerves and other surrounding tissues. Also cover any open wounds with a clean cloth or bandage.

To treat a broken bone, the physician will first need to diagnose the type of fracture by medical examination and X-rays.

To treat a broken bone, the physician will first need to diagnose the type of fracture by medical examination and X-rays.

If surgery is required to repair the broken bone, metal plates or pins may be used to piece the bone together. A splint or cast may be applied following surgery. Splints and casts are used to support and protect injured bones and help to reduce pain, swelling and muscle spasm. Casts and splints can be custom made, but prefabricated splints also are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.

"Bones are natural healers," Dr. Muzzonigro said. "At the site of the fracture, your bones will produce many new cells and tiny blood vessels that rebuild the bone. These cells will mend the broken part of the bone and close the break."

Fractures can take several months to several weeks to heal, depending on the extent of the injury and how well you follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Pain usually stops long before the bone is strong enough to resume the stresses of normal activities. Your doctor will advise you on what activities are permitted and which should be resumed more gradually.

Building Better Bones

Strong, healthy bones can break when subjected to great force, but bones that are weakened by disease or misuse may break much easier — possibly as a result of sneezing or by simply moving the wrong way. The best way to prevent a fracture is to develop and maintain health bones.

"A balanced, calcium-rich diet and regular exercise can help beef-up your bone strength," said Thomas S. Muzzonigro, M.D., orthopedic surgeon at Tri Rivers Surgical Associates. "Calcium is a mineral that is essential for building and maintaining strong bones. Every adult should consume at least 1,200 milligrams of calcium each day. That’s the equivalent of drinking four glasses of milk."

Vitamin D is also essential to aid the body in calcium absorption, Dr. Muzzonigro said. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends a daily intake of 400 to 800 international units (IUs) of vitamin D. If you do not receive enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet, consider taking a vitamin supplement.

"Regular weight-bearing or strength-training exercise, such as walking, running, racquet sports and weight-lifting, stimulates the formation of new bone. Exercise also strengthens the muscles that work with your bones to provide strength, balance and coordination, which can also reduce your risk of fracture," he said.

Factoid: Got an itch?

It is inevitable that when you can’t scratch you get an itch, so it’s no surprise that the most common complaint among patients with broken bones is that they can’t reach the inside of their cast to combat itchiness. Try this instead. Turn a hair dryer to the cool setting and blow air into your cast near the site of the itch. You should receive some relief.