Fracture

Some fractures are simple, clean breaks, while others cause extensive bone and tissue damage. Austin McPhilamy, MD, at McPhilamy Bone and Joint in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, specializes in nonemergency fracture repair. He uses the most advanced techniques to ensure you recover without ongoing pain or loss of function. Call the office to book an appointment with Dr. McPhilamy or request a consultation using the online scheduling tool today.

What is a fracture?

Fractures are bone breaks, ranging from small cracks to multiple breaks that shatter the bone. Bones are strong and resilient and even flex a little, but they can give way under sufficient force. If you have osteoporosis, where your bones lose density and weaken, you can fracture a bone with much less pressure.

Common fracture causes include falls, sports injuries, work injuries, and auto accidents. The bone may break horizontally (transverse fracture) or at an angle (oblique fracture). Comminuted fractures break the bone into three or more pieces.

Fractures can be closed or open. A closed fracture has no external soft tissue damage, so you can’t see the bone. You have an open fracture if the bone pokes through your skin, or you can see it under a deep wound. These require emergency treatment as severe damage and infection are significant risks.

What symptoms does a fracture cause?

Fractures often cause immediate, intense pain that worsens if you touch the area or try to move the limb. You may hear the bone snap as it breaks. Other symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Redness
• Weakness
• Blistering
• Visual abnormalities

You must have X-rays and/or a CT scan to assess the injury properly. This shows Dr. McPhilamy where the damage is and its severity so he can determine the best treatment.

How are fractures treated?

A simple closed fracture where the bones stay aligned might only need a cast or splint to support and protect it as it heals. If X-rays show any displacement — where the bones are out of position — you might undergo closed reduction.

After giving you an anesthetic, Dr. McPhilamy manipulates the bones to reposition them, ensures they’re in place by viewing your X-rays, and applies a cast or splint. You may need surgery (open reduction) for a severe break.

During fracture surgery, Dr. McPhilamy makes an incision to gain access to the broken bones. He puts them in place, using screws, plates, and pins (internal fixation) where necessary to hold them together. He repairs any soft tissue damage, then closes the incision. Severe fractures might require external fixation, with a frame or cage outside the limb.

Dr. McPhilamy specializes in nonemergency fracture surgery involving the arms and legs. Call McPhilamy Bone and Joint or book an appointment online today for expert fracture care.