It’s easy to make assumptions about broken bones, especially if you love watching medical dramas set in emergency rooms. However, not all fractures occur from trauma. In fact, it’s very common to sustain breaks from medical conditions and even repetitive stress.
Signs of a fracture often include:
As a talented orthopaedic surgeon, Thomas F. Saylor, MD, has spent more than 20 years diagnosing and treating fractures. His specialty lies with the upper extremities, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand, and he has advanced skills in microsurgical techniques.
Here, Dr. Saylor explains the different types of fractures he sees at Orthopaedic Care Specialists in North Palm Beach, Florida.
There may be different types of fractures, but they all describe a similar issue — a break in a bone because of too much pressure.
Believe it or not, bones have some flexibility. This allows them to flex a bit when under pressure. However, they can only handle so much strain. If the pressure becomes too much, a bone can snap. Think of it like trying to bend a pencil. You may see it “give” in the center for a bit, but if you push too hard, it’s going to crack.
And, like a pencil, a bone may break cleanly in two or splinter at multiple points of weakness.
Consequently, there are multiple categories to describe the type of break a bone endures.
Words like “break” and “fracture” can give the illusion of a clean, straight line. However, these injuries are often far more complex, and some can even be tricky to spot.
With his experience in orthopaedic medicine, Dr. Saylor can help with all types of fractures. However, there are several types he sees more often than others, including:
Since fractures can vary, it’s essential to receive expert care to ensure the best course of treatment for optimal recovery.
Dr. Saylor considers specific criteria when reaching a diagnosis, including the fracture pattern, cause, and location. X-ray imaging, MRIs, and CT scans can also confirm a break, its severity, additional tissue damage, and its precise location in a bone.
After reaching a diagnosis, Dr. Saylor can recommend a personalized treatment strategy. This can vary from break to break, but it could include:
Whenever possible, Dr. Saylor uses minimally invasive surgical techniques. These approaches enable him to perform even the most complex repairs using small incisions. As a result, there are usually fewer risks and the recovery times are usually faster than with traditional surgery.
If you have a fracture or think you do, it’s essential to see an expert to ensure optimal healing. To learn more, call 561-260-5993 to request an appointment with Orthopaedic Care Specialists today.
