This treatment is
desirable for some but not all fractures. Traction is usually used to align a
bone or bones by a gentle, steady pulling action. The pulling force may be
transmitted to the bone through skin tapes or a metal pin through a bone.
Traction may be used as a preliminary treatment, before other forms of
treatment. Another treatment is open reduction and internal fixation. In this
type of treatment, an orthopedist must perform surgery on the bone. During this
operation, the bone fragments are first repositioned (reduced) into their normal
alignment, and then held together with special screws or by attaching metal
plates to the outer surface of the bone. The fragments may also be held together
by inserting rods down through the marrow space in the center of the bone. These
methods of treatment can reposition the fracture fragments very exactly. Because
of the risks of surgery, however, and possible complications, such as infection,
they are used only when the orthopedic surgeon considers such treatment to be
the most likely to restore the broken bone to normal function. In external
fixation, pins or screws are placed into the broken bone above and below the
fracture site. Then the orthopedic surgeon repositions the bone fragments. The
pins or screws are connected to a metal bar or bars outside the skin. This
device is a stabilizing frame that holds the bones in the proper position so
they can heal. After an appropriate period of time, the external fixation device
is removed. Each of these treatment methods can lead to a completely healed,
well-aligned bone that functions well. Remember that the method of treatment
depends on the type and location of the fracture, the seriousness of the injury,
the condition and needs of the patient, and the judgment of the orthopedist and
the patient. Successful treatment of a fracture also depends greatly on the
patient's cooperation. A cast or fixation device may be inconvenient and
cumbersome, but without one a broken bone can't heal properly.
The result may be
a painful or poorly functioning bone or joint. Exercises during the healing
process and after the bone heals are essential to help restore normal muscle
strength, joint motion and flexibility. Help your broken bone heal
properly-follow your orthopedist’s advice. Even though healthy bones are very
strong, any bone will break if the force applied against it is great enough.
Bones that are weakened by disease or misuse may break more easily than healthy
bones. To develop and maintain healthy bones, a person needs adequate amounts of
calcium and proper exercise. Because of the way bones are made, calcium is very
important in the growth, development, and maintenance of strong bones. Adequate
amounts of calcium are necessary as a child grows and for the adult as well.
Women, in particular, must have enough calcium in their diet. The female hormone
estrogen regulates the use of calcium in women's bodies. Following menopause,
when women produce far less estrogen, calcium regulation is more difficult. So
it is very important that women make their bones as strong as possible before
menopause, through weight-beating exercise and adequate calcium in their diets.
In some women after menopause, bones fracture very easily because they have been
weakened by calcium depletion. Because of the way bones are made, they also get
stronger with regular but not excessive exercise. If a person is active, bones
will become stronger and more dense. The bones of an inactive person are often
not as strong and may fracture more easily than those of an active person. For
this reason, older people should try to remain physically active. Proper diet
and exercise, along with an understanding of what bones are made of and how they
break, may help in preventing some fractures. If you do break a bone, seek
medical treatment and remember-follow your orthopedist’s advice.
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