Comminuted Fracture: Diagnosis and Treatment

What is comminuted fracture? Comminuted fracture is a type of fracture. It means that it has broken in at least two places.  The comminuted fracture can be caused by severe trauma or accident. It can affect any significant or long bone, such as the femur, tibia, fibula, humerus, radius, ulna, clavicle, and skull. Undoubtedly, it takes a longer time to heal the bones. It may vary from months to years, depending upon the severity of the fracture. In this blog, I will crucially discuss the diagnostics and treatment related to the comminuted fracture.

How are comminuted fractures diagnosed?

 A couple of tests are needed to evaluate the degree and severity of the fracture for further treatment. Look at some tests that I have mentioned below:

X-Rays

X-rays help to locate the other fractures and show how severely the bone is damaged.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI is to get a picture of the damaged bone and to check how much they are affected. It will show the tissue around the broken bones. It is essential and expensive to determine the muscles, connective tissues, and organs affected by the trauma. 

CT Scan

The CT scan is a more advanced feature of MRI. The imaging report is primarily for the surgeon to see the damaged part in detail and the affected part with the X-ray. 

Bone Scan

The professionals will inject a radioactive substance into your body through the intravenous line. After some time, the radioactive substance absorbs into the body. The bones show the healing process. However, many tests look like bone scans. Doctors do not recommend it if you want to check for stress fractures.  Many other lab tests are necessary to check the functionality of the body.  A tool called FRAX Tool is used to determine the fracture risk. Let's check out the many tests I have listed down:

1. Kidney Function Test
2. Thyroid Profile
3. Hormone Levels
4. Calcium Level
5. Vitamin D Level

Medical History is a must-ask by a healthcare provider. If you are suffering from any disease, tell the Best Orthopedic Doctor in Greater Noida before surgery for instance, celiac disease, Paget's disease, or multiple myeloma.  

Advanced Treatments for Comminuted Fractures

It is one of the most painful and troublesome for people. However, if you have a mild sprain, you only need a splint or cast to heal your injury. On the other hand, if you need a cast, it will take 6 to 8 weeks for proper recovery. In both cases, an X-ray is essential to know the location of the injury.  I have listed some treatments and surgeries needed to resolve comminuted fractures. 

Immobilization

Immobilization is crucial because you need a splint or cast to immobilize your hand or leg. It would help if you had an X-ray before covering your hand in a cast. You have to be patient because it takes more than a month. 

Closed Reduction

Severely broken bones required closed reduction. The non-surgical procedure will physically push and pull the bones for alignment. It is to prevent pain during the process. 

• Local Anesthesia is to numb the area around the fracture.
• Sedatives to relax your muscles.
• General anesthesia relieves the pain and easily goes for surgery.  

The closed reduction in which you have to put the splint. 

Bone Fracture Surgery

Some fractures need surgeries to heal the bone. The procedure of surgery depends upon the type of fracture. Though some techniques have significant complications, it shows improvement after some.  Book Appointment Online - Best Bone Fracture Doctor in India

Internal fixation

The surgeon aligns the bone in the correct position. They secure it in a safe place to prevent the disorganization of bone according to an anatomical structure. The internal fixation depends on surgeons' use of metal plates and pieces to insert into the bone. Limit yourself and the movement of the injured part. It requires rest to heal.  The internal fixation includes:

• Rods: a rod placed in the center of the bone that runs from top to bottom. 
• Plates and screws are metal plates screwed according to the damage to the bone. 
• Pins and Wires help to hold the pieces of bone in alignment. So that the bone can heal up quickly. 

Some people even live with these pieces all over life to maintain the movement and functionality of the bone. 

External Fixation

There is another technique called external fixation in which the surgeon puts screws that connect with a brace or bracket. It is usually a short-term procedure that stabilizes the fracture and starts the recovery process before any internal fixation. 

Arthroplasty

The fracture occurs at a joint like shoulder, elbow, or knee. The surgeon removes the damage and replaces the joint with an artificial joint. It is like a prosthesis that helps the person perform everyday activities. The material used in prostheses is metal, ceramic, and heavy-duty plastic. The new joint looks like a natural joint and has a similar appearance. 

Also Read: Knee Pain and Joint Replacements (Arthroplasty)

Bone Grafting

The fracture is severely displaced, and it doesn't heal back. The surgeon will rejoin the bone by inserting another bone or tissue. An internal fixation holds pieces together so bone grows. The bone grafting includes:

• Usually, the top of the hip bone to fix bone. It is a helpful procedure because the hip bone shows an excellent healing process after the grafting. 
• An external donor
• Artificial replacement pieces or joints

After the surgery, your bone should be immobile. A lot of traction is used to maintain the pressure in the bone for alignment. Moreover, cast and splint are essential factors for immobilizing the. It is useful for comminuted fracture healing time. Book an online appointment with the Best Bone Grafting Doctors in India

How can I reduce my fracture?

• Always wear seatbelt
• Use tools and heavy machines safely
• Follow diet and exercise plan
• Monthly checkups related to the density of bones
• Take supplements and vitamin C for immunity
• Use a can or walker in case of difficulty in walking

Outlook -

The above article explained the comminuted fracture- diagnosis and treatment. I have explained the different imaging you need to show your doctor for proper treatment and the procedure necessary for your comminuted fracture. However, there are many complications related to bone fractures. However, it minimizes by preventing yourself from unnecessary movements. If you have any dilemma, consult with best orthopedic doctor in delhi. I hope you understand about comminuted fracture recovery time.