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Bone fracture repair is surgery to fix a broken bone using plates, nails, screws, or pins. Bone grafts may be used to allow for proper healing or to speed the healing process.
DescriptionWhile the patient is pain-free, using general or local anesthesia, a surgical cut is made over the fractured bone. The bone is placed in proper position. Screws, pins, or plates are attached to or placed in the bone temporarily or permanently. Or, long bones may be fixed with nails placed in the bone cavity.
Any disrupted blood vessels are tied off or burned (cauterized). If a lot of bone has been lost due to the fracture (especially if there is a gap between the broken bone ends), the surgeon may decide to do a bone graft. Bone grafting may be performed using the patient's own bone, usually taken from the hip. Or, the bone may be taken from a donor.
If bone grafting is not necessary, the fracture can be repaired by the following methods:
- One or more screws may be inserted across the break to hold it.
- A steel plate held by screws may be drilled into the bone.
- A long, thick metal pin (sometimes called a rod or nail) with holes in it may be driven down the shaft of the bone from one end. Screws are then passed through the bone and through a hole in the pin.
In some cases, blood vessels and nerves are repaired with microsurgery. The opening in the skin is then closed. If the broken bone has pierced the skin, the bone ends need to be washed with sterile fluid in the operating room to prevent infection. The washing process may need to be repeated if the wound becomes infected.
Why the Procedure Is PerformedSurgical repair is recommended for complicated fractures that cannot be realigned (reduced) by nonsurgical methods. This is especially true of fractures that involve joints. Poorly aligned joint surfaces may contribute to the development of arthritis.
RisksRisks for any anesthesia include the following:
- Reactions to medications
- Problems breathing
Risks for surgery include the following:
- Bleeding
- Infection
Surgery often allows patients to regain movement and heal faster than nonsurgical treatment. Your long-term outlook depends on the severity of the fracture.
It is usually not necessary to remove an internal fixation device unless it causes problems.
Outlook (Prognosis)The length of the hospital stay depends on the:
- Condition of the blood and nerve supply
- Condition of the bone
- Presence of an infection
- Presence of other injuries
Most fractures heal in 6 - 12 weeks. Children's bones heal rapidly, usually in 6 weeks.
What else can I help you with?
What is the step by step process of fracture repair?
Fracture repair involves several key steps: First, a hematoma forms at the fracture site, providing a scaffold for new tissue. Next, inflammatory cells clear debris, and a soft callus made of cartilage begins to form, stabilizing the fracture. This is followed by the conversion of the soft callus into a hard callus through ossification, where bone replaces cartilage. Finally, the bone undergoes remodeling, where excess material is removed, and the bone regains its original shape and strength.
What are the steps in the repair process of simple fractures?
The repair process of simple fractures typically involves three main steps: inflammation, reparative phase, and remodeling. First, inflammation occurs immediately after the fracture, where blood clots form at the injury site, and inflammatory cells clear debris. Next, in the reparative phase, a soft callus made of cartilage forms, which is later replaced by a hard callus of bone. Finally, during the remodeling phase, the bone gradually reshapes itself, restoring its original structure and strength over weeks to months.
How is a broken arm repaired?
Upper and lower arms may be broken. Treatment is roughly similar. There are several degrees of broken arm ranging from greenstick fracture where the bone is only partly broken through compound fractures where several bones are broken o a bone is broken into several pieces, to a broken bone which pierces the skin. In all cases it is necessary to align the broken sections back to a close approximation of their original orientation. The doctor must also ensure that any cut or torn blood vessels are repaired. Sometimes muscles are severed and must be surgically repaired. The more serious fractures may require plates and screws to be inserted into the bone to hold it in position. The arm is immobilized with a sling, cast or by pins piercing the flesh into the bone and bolted into position. Healing takes place naturally with new bone growth between the broken sections. This takes several weeks
What is osseus bridging?
Osseous bridging refers to the formation of new bone tissue that connects two or more bony structures, typically occurring during the healing process after a fracture or surgical intervention. This phenomenon is crucial for restoring stability and function to the skeletal system. In some cases, osseous bridging can also occur in pathological conditions, leading to abnormal bone growth. It is often assessed through imaging techniques like X-rays or CT scans to evaluate healing progress.
What do most bunionectomies involve?
Most bunionectomies involve the removal of a section of bone and the insertion of pins to rejoin the bone.
When is the risk of infection greater after fracture repair?
Infection can interfere with bone repair. This risk is greater in the case of a compound fracture (a bone fracture causing an open wound) where ideal conditions are present for severe streptococcal and staphylococcal infections
What do the medics mean when they say that someone is suffering from a comminuted fracture of a bone?
A commimuted fracture of a bone refers to a bone that has been broken into several pieces. This type of fracture will often require surgery to repair the damage.
What is the purpose of fracture repair?
Fracture repair is required when there is a need for restoration of the normal position and function of the broken bone. Throughout the stages of fracture healing, the bones must be held firmly in the correct position
What is the difference between fracture and X-ray?
The XRAY is the EMR used to detect a fracture in your bone and a fracture refers to a broken bone in your body.
Which is the name for a broken bone?
A broken bone is often called a "fracture" or "bone fracture". Some examples from the Wikipedia entry on bone fracture. * Complete Fracture- A fracture in which bone fragments separate completely. * Incomplete Fracture- A fracture in which the bone fragments are still partially joined. * Linear Fracture- A fracture that is parallel to the bone's long axis. * Transverse Fracture- A fracture that is at a right angle to the bone's long axis. * Oblique Fracture- A fracture that is diagonal to a bone's long axis. * Compression Fracture-A fracture that usually occurs in the vertebrae. * Spiral Fracture- A fracture where at least one part of the bone has been twisted. * Comminuted Fracture- A fracture causing many fragments. * Compacted Fracture- A fracture caused when bone fragments are driven into each other * Open Fracture- A fracture when the bone reaches the skin * Bug fracture- A fracture when the bone is in place, but the fracture has the appearance of a crushed insect.
Formation of the bony callus in fracture repair is followed by?
The formation of the bony callus in fracture repair is followed by remodeling. During remodeling, the bony callus is gradually replaced by mature bone tissue, restoring the shape and strength of the fractured bone. This process can take several weeks to months to complete.
What bone cells are responsible for removing excess bone tissue after the fracture repair process?
Osteoclasts are the bone cells responsible for removing excess bone tissue after the fracture repair process. These multinucleated cells break down and resorb bone tissue, helping to reshape and remodel the new bone to restore its original structure and strength. This process is a crucial part of bone healing and ensures that the bone regains its functional integrity.
A bone fracture where the bone is broken into many fragments is?
a type of bone fracture producing many bone fragments is?
What is the surgical word for fracture of a bone?
The surgical term for a fracture of a bone is "osteotomy." However, the term "fracture" itself is commonly used in both medical and surgical contexts. When referring to surgical intervention to repair a fracture, procedures like "internal fixation" or "open reduction" may be employed.
What progression of tissues occurs during fracture repair that mimics the original formation of the bone?
connective tissue
What is the name for a fracture in which one bone fragment is driven into the other?
A bone fracture where the bone fragments are driven into each other is called a "Compacted Fracture".
What is the proper name for a broken bone?
A fracture for a broken bone. If the bone is broken badly enough to stick out through the skin it is called a compound fracture.
