Simple Fracture Treatment Specialist in Oklahoma OKC

When excessive force is applied to a bone, it breaks, therefore resulting in a simple fracture. Fractures can be complete, when the bone breaks into two pieces, or incomplete when the bone cracks but not all the way through. A compound fracture occurs when a bone breaks through the skin and is exposed. Fractures that do not compromise the skin are called simple fractures or closed fractures.

Fractures occur when a bone is put under intense stress or force that is greater than its own strength. The cause of this is usually a fall or an impact with an object. As children’s bones have not reached full strength, they are more susceptible to fractures. A child’s physical activity and participation in sports put them at a greater risk for injury. Because bones weaken with age, older individuals are also prone to fractures.

The healing time of a fracture varies greatly from bone to bone and from person to person based on the factors discussed above. Typically, hand and wrist fractures heal within 4-6 weeks, while tibia fractures may take up to 20 weeks to heal.

1-2 weeks after injury, the inflammatory phase begins. The bleeding around the fracture forms a fracture hematoma or clot on the ends of the bones. An inflammatory response cleans up the debris caused by tissue damage. A protein mesh develops where the blood clot and bone begin to “knit”.

During the repair phase, new living cells of bone, cartilage, and fibrous tissue are formed at the fracture site. It results in the formation of a rubbery tissue called a fracture callus. After 2-3 weeks after injury, calcium is deposited in the callus and can be seen on x-rays.

Fracture calluses are replaced with strong bones during remodeling. Even after the fracture appears healed on x-rays and is no longer painful, remodeling continues for months.

In some cases, a simple fracture can heal without surgery by protecting the bone and preventing it from moving. Even during minor injuries in which this is possible, it is important to seek medical attention to ensure patients receive proper care instructions and pain medication as necessary. However, more often than not fractures require treatment.

Physicians can detect fractures by examining the area and taking X-rays. In the event that a fracture is diagnosed, hospital treatment may be necessary. Pins, plates, screws, or rods may be used to set back fractured bones. The healing bone is protected and supported by a cast. Splints may be used instead of casts for smaller bone fractures, such as those of the fingers or toes. It is possible to prescribe medication to help manage pain. Exercises that promote blood flow and maintain muscle function are often recommended in rehabilitation.

Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a fracture in your back, neck, or hip, or if you experience exposed bones. Our physicians can examine the area for a proper diagnosis and refer you for further treatment if required if you have a simple fracture or are unsure if you have fractured a bone.

There are several options available to doctors when it comes to treating bone fractures. In addition to the type of break and how you fractured the bone, the treatment depends on how the bone was fractured. Soft tissue conditions resulting from bone fractures must also be treated by doctors.

Closed, stable, and set fractures are usually immobilized with a cast. In some cases, doctors place you in a cast or brace that still allows the joints around your break to move.  A compound fracture occurs when a broken bone penetrates your skin. In order to keep your bones immobilized, you’ll need surgery to realign them.

Immediate Care of Oklahoma is available for patients requiring a simple fracture treatment specialist in Oklahoma. We serve patients from West Moore OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Edmond OK, Yukon OK, I-240 & Sooner RD OK, Tecumseh OK, Norman (24th) OK, and Bethany OK.