Over 6.3 million fractures are experienced in the US annually. Unlike women, men are more prone to fractures. These are injuries to the bones caused by a sudden or rapid change in force. Falls, sports injuries, car accidents and many other reasons can cause them. They are two types of fractures, including closed and open. Your skin remains unbroken if you suffer closed fractures. Open fractures Munster are those in which the skin is broken, but the underlying bone is not damaged.
Below are the leading causes of fractures:
Falls
Falls can cause fractures in any bone, but those at the hip and lower spine are most frequently caused by falls from 20 feet or more. Fractures of these bones can occur when they are hit by a blunt object or when they fall on an uneven surface. Some injuries from falls often result in permanent disability.
Trauma
The most common cause of fractures is trauma, which can be either acute or chronic. Acute trauma refers to injuries sustained in relatively short time frames, while chronic trauma refers to injuries that may have been present for some time before they became clinically apparent.
Osteoporosis and other diseases
In addition to trauma, osteoporosis and other diseases are responsible for many fracture cases. Osteoporosis occurs when there is an increase in bone loss due to aging or disease such as certain cancers. Osteopenia is the precursor stage of osteoporosis, where there has been a slight decrease in bone density but not enough to warrant treatment yet. Treatment for osteopenia typically involves lifestyle changes such as exercise, weight control, and vitamin D supplementation.
Musculoskeletal disorders
The musculoskeletal system is made up of bones, tendons, muscles and ligaments. These structures work together to help us move around and carry out some of our daily activities. When these structures get damaged or stretched beyond their normal limits, they can break down.
Joint dislocations
A dislocation occurs when a joint is broken during an injury. The joint may be displaced out of its normal position or remain in place but out of line with other body parts. A dislocated hip joint is a common type of fracture resulting from a fall on an outstretched knee while running or lifting heavy objects.
What is the best treatment for fractures?
The best treatment for fractures depends on the type of fracture and the location of the fracture. In some cases, early surgery is required to stabilize a broken bone or prevent further damage from occurring. For example, a broken wrist may require surgery to reconstruct the wrist and secure it in place until healing occurs.
Fractures are injuries to the bones, which can be caused by falls, accidents, and other trauma. They range from simple sprains to severe injuries like hip dislocations and breaks. If you have a fracture due to trauma, seek medical attention as soon as possible. The sooner you receive treatment for your injury, the better your chances of having minimal complications from your injury. If you have a fracture, contact North Point Orthopaedics today.