Fractures are a pathological condition in which bone deformation occurs under the influence of a damaging factor that exceeds the strength of bone tissue. Injuries are more common in childhood and old age, which is associated with the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the body.
A child's bones are more elastic and less durable than those of adults. This causes the skeleton to be vulnerable to traumatic factors. The high risk of fractures in children is associated with the child’s mobility and poor development of self-preservation skills. In older people, due to age-related changes, calcium salts are washed out of the bones, which leads to osteoporosis and a decrease in skeletal strength. Poor cerebral circulation, leading to poor balance and dizziness, causes unsteady gait and frequent falls.
In young people, the risk of bone deformation is associated with seasonality (ice), professional activity (intense physical activity), and sports (professional athletes). In the modern international classification of diseases (abbreviated as ICD 10), fractures are assigned class 19 - injuries, poisoning and other consequences when exposed to external factors.
The classification of fractures was created to simplify diagnosis, determine treatment tactics and prognosis of the disease. Injuries are distinguished by etiology (reason of origin), form of bone defect, displacement of bone fragments, formation of bone fragments and other factors. We will look at what types of fractures there are below and present different classifications of skeletal injuries.
From left to right there is a fracture inside the joint, open and closed injury
Fractures are classified based on the reason they occur:
Traumatic bone defects appear due to a direct blow, a fall from a height, violent actions, awkward movements, or gunshot wounds. Such fractures are called straight. Sometimes the place where the force is applied and the area where the injury occurs may be located at some distance. These are indirect fractures. Pathological bone defects occur against the background of diseases that lead to weakening of bone tissue and reduce its strength. A high risk of skeletal injuries is caused by bone cysts, tumors or metastases, osteomyelitis, osteoporosis, impaired osteogenesis during embryonic development, and chronic wasting diseases.
Based on the communication between bone fragments and the environment, fractures are distinguished:
Open bone defects can be primary or secondary. Primary ones are characterized by the formation of a wound when exposed to a traumatic factor. Secondary ones appear after the moment of injury as a result of the cutting of the skin by the sharp edges of the bones due to improper transportation of the patient to the emergency room or unsuccessful repositioning of the bone during treatment.
Bone fractures differ in the direction of the bone defect line
Closed fractures are:
Incomplete fractures occur due to exposure to minor traumatic forces. More often, such defects occur in children whose bones are covered with a thick and elastic periosteum. The child is characterized by injuries of the “green stick” type – bone cracks without displacement of fragments. Incomplete defects include marginal and perforated fractures, fractures and cracks. Complete separation of bone fragments develops when a significant impact force is applied or a defect is formed in areas of bones with well-developed muscles. Muscle contraction leads to displacement of bone fragments in different directions along the trajectory of muscle fiber traction.
A displaced fracture is considered a serious injury that requires long-term treatment and a recovery period. Open injuries are also included in this group. In addition, they are accompanied by primary infection of the wound, which can lead to osteomyelitis and sepsis. Displacement of fragments of damaged bones causes the development of complications associated with damage to muscle tissue, nerves and blood vessels.
Fracture inside a joint
As a result, open and closed bleeding, impaired innervation of the limbs, paralysis and decreased sensitivity occur. Damage to soft tissue and large blood vessels leads to painful and hemorrhagic shock, which complicates the treatment of the injury and can cause death. A fracture without displacement usually does not lead to undesirable consequences and in most cases has a favorable outcome.
Based on the location of the bone defect, the following types of fractures are distinguished:
Epipharic injuries can occur as fracture-dislocations, which complicates the treatment of the disease and lengthens the rehabilitation period. Epiphysiolysis with inadequate therapy contributes to the premature closure of skeletal growth zones and causes shortening of the damaged limb.
Depending on the shape of the bone defect line, the following types of fractures are distinguished:
A comminuted fracture is accompanied by the formation of one or more bone fragments, which are completely separated from the bone and are located in the soft tissues. Such injuries require surgical treatment and a long period of rehabilitation. A comminuted fracture with the formation of multiple fragments is usually called comminuted. It causes a significant defect in the damaged bone. Comminuted fractures can be finely or coarsely comminuted.
Vertebral compression fracture
Defects with a transverse fracture line are classified as stable injuries with rare displacement of bone fragments. Other types of fractures lead to displacement of fragments due to muscle traction after injury and are included in the group of unstable fractures. Proper transportation of the patient to the emergency room and adequate treatment methods prevent the development of complications due to displacement of bone fragments.
Classification of bone fractures helps to choose the right treatment tactics, prevent the development of undesirable consequences, and predict the duration of therapy and the rehabilitation period. Establishing an accurate diagnosis, according to the modern classification, improves the prognosis of injury and reduces the risk of developing severe complications.
After a fracture occurs, you must immediately seek medical help. In case of severe injuries, which are accompanied by the formation of a wound or displacement of damaged bones, bleeding, multiple bone lesions, deterioration of the general condition of the victim due to hemorrhagic and painful shock, an ambulance should be called. If it is impossible to call doctors, the patient is transported independently to the trauma department after first aid and the application of transport splints.
The methodology for using immobilization splints, the rules for providing first aid and methods for treating fractures can be found here.
Internal blood loss leads to hematoma formation
Undesirable consequences of a fracture occur when the victim is transported incorrectly to the hospital, late seeking medical help, inadequate choice of therapy and violation of the treatment regimen. If you suspect an injury, you must consult a doctor, undergo X-ray diagnostics and promptly begin treatment if a bone defect is confirmed.
Outcomes of fracture healing:
Complications that arise after healing of the injury depend on the correct reposition (comparison) of fragments and sufficient fixation of the bone, concomitant soft tissue damage, rehabilitation measures and the duration of the period of limitation of motor activity. The types of bone fractures affect the healing time of the injury. Longer therapeutic immobilization is necessary for open injuries, closed injuries with bone displacement and the formation of bone fragments, as well as in the case of intra-articular disorders and the formation of fracture-dislocations.
Useful information on how to recognize a fracture, clinical signs of injury and diagnosis of the disease can be found here.
Complications of fractures can be divided into 3 main groups:
Limb deformity due to improper bone fusion
Unhealed bone fractures are formed when the fragments are incorrectly juxtaposed, as a result of which the formation of callus is disrupted. When soft tissue gets between the ends of a damaged bone, a false joint may occur, which leads to pathological mobility at the site of injury and disruption of the normal function of the limb. Due to the pathology of bone consolidation, shortening or deformation of the limbs develops, which leads to disability.
Bleeding from large vessels when their integrity is violated by sharp edges of bones causes the development of bleeding. With a closed injury of the hip, the blood loss is 1-2 liters, the bones of the leg - 600-800 ml, the bones of the shoulder - 300-500 ml and the forearm - 100-250 ml. With open injuries in the area of large blood vessels (carotid, inguinal, femoral arteries and aorta), bleeding can cause significant blood loss (more than 2 liters) and lead to death.
A bone fracture with damage to the nerve trunks causes impairment of motor function and sensory function. After the defect heals, a large callus may form, which puts pressure on blood vessels and nerves. As a result, paralysis and paresis develop, congestion in the tissues leads to disability.
Prolonged immobilization of the limb contributes to muscle atrophy and the formation of joint immobility (ankylosis). After removing the plaster, traction or external fixation device, a disturbance in the outflow of blood and lymph from the damaged area of the limb is observed, which causes swelling, bluishness of the skin and stiffness of the joints. To prevent the formation of undesirable consequences of a fracture of the limbs, adequate therapy is carried out and rehabilitation measures are used at different stages of injury healing.
Pseudarthrosis formation
Infectious complications are typical for open bone injuries. As a result of injury, pathogenic microorganisms enter the wound, which cause suppuration of soft tissues, bones (osteomyelitis) or generalization of infection (sepsis). Less commonly, ulcers form in the area of internal or external osteosynthesis (comparison of bones using knitting needles, plates, screws). To prevent infection, the wound is treated aseptically, the skin defect is sutured, and a course of antibiotics is prescribed.
Improper or prolonged healing of fractures causes scarring that puts pressure on blood vessels and nerves. This leads to chronic pain after consolidation of bone fragments and return to normal physical activity. Painful sensations intensify after long walking, carrying heavy objects, changing weather conditions, and can cause insomnia and mental exhaustion of the body. A significant decrease in working capacity due to constant pain leads to disability.
Bone fractures differ in various ways. To make an accurate diagnosis and select the correct treatment method, a classification was created that reflects the specific features of a particular injury. The consequences of fractures depend on the severity of the injury, timely provision of first aid, and correctly selected treatment and rehabilitation tactics. If you follow the doctor's recommendations, in most clinical cases it is possible to completely restore the anatomical integrity of the damaged bone and the functional activity of a limb or part of the body.
A leg fracture is an injury to one or more bones of the lower extremities, followed by a violation of their integrity. Such injuries are quite common and can greatly affect a person’s normal lifestyle. If the victim has one lower limb damaged, he will not be able to walk freely and do his usual work and activities.
First of all, injury occurs as a result of careless walking on the street or around the house.
The second most common cause of leg injury is road accidents and falls from height.
Third place is given to industrial accidents and criminal disputes.
The reason that led to such injuries may be diseases existing in the victim, and the bone in this case breaks even as a result of a slight load on the limb. Most often, injuries increase in people suffering from osteoporosis.
The risk group for injury includes athletes; fractures can occur in babies or older children, this is due to their increased mobility and carelessness; in older people, due to age-related pathologies occurring in the structure of the bones.
There is no single classification for this injury, since there are certain indicators on which one or another type of fracture depends.
Depending on the severity, the following limb injuries are distinguished:
Based on the location of the injury, the following types are distinguished:
Depending on what features the breakdown line has, the following types are distinguished:
If the injury is complicated by the presence of a bone fragment, then the fractures can be classified as follows:
Fractures of the proximal and distal ends of the bone can be epiphyseal or metaphyseal. If a leg is broken at the joint, there is concomitant damage to the articular structures, as well as the cartilage, capsule and ligaments. This fracture can be combined with subluxation or dislocation.
Periarticular leg fractures appear in the transition zone between the articular end and the diaphysis and are often impacted.
Diaphyseal fractures are located in the middle part of the bone and in this case the fragments are displaced.
The appearance of fractures due to injury is characterized by the following relative signs of a leg fracture:
How to determine a leg fracture yourself, before the ambulance arrives, if a child breaks his leg?
Any symptoms of damage depend on the severity and absolute signs are added to the relative signs of fractures. You can recognize scrapping by the following indicators:
What to do if you have a fracture of the lower extremities? First aid for a broken leg begins with examining the victim. If the assistant is able to recognize the damage, he can distinguish the degree of injury and is familiar with the types of fractures, then he will be able, without causing harm to health, to provide first aid for a broken leg.
So, what should you do if a person breaks his leg on the street or at home, or at an enterprise? The algorithm of actions is standard, the main thing is to understand and follow the course of action:
It is possible to understand exactly what kind of fracture occurred only in the emergency room.
Treatment of a leg fracture is carried out after diagnosing the pathology.
The diagnosis is made based on:
When prescribing an x-ray examination, the doctor indicates that the picture must be taken in two projections. Thanks to direct and lateral projection, the likelihood of making an incorrect diagnosis is minimized, since the resulting images can show the location and nature of the fracture, the location of fragments and foreign bodies.
Based on the data obtained, the attending physician will explain to his patient and his relatives what type of fracture occurred - without or with displacement, and what harm to health the injury may cause. The specialist will also tell you how long it takes for a broken leg to heal, whether a cast is necessary and, if so, how long to walk in a cast if you have a broken leg.
Treatment consists of bringing the damaged leg bones into an anatomical position with mandatory fixation. This is necessary for the bones to grow together correctly.
Upon admission to the hospital, as first aid, doctors relieve the patient’s pain with painkillers through a dropper or an inhalation mask, and also provide immobility of the limb with a splint. After making a diagnosis, the specialist prescribes treatment.
If the fracture is without displacement or swelling, and no serious harm to health is detected, then treatment is limited to the application of a plaster cast. In case of severe swelling, a splint is applied.
Before fixation, if the bones have shifted, then it is necessary to perform a closed-type reposition. During this procedure, the victim may be given local or general anesthesia, during which there is no pain at all. After the bones have been brought into an anatomical position, the patient is put in a cast; how long to walk after a fracture in it will depend on how the bones heal.
Complicated leg fractures must be treated with surgery followed by internal fixation of the bone using pins, plates, and screws. Metal structures will be removed completely or partially in the future. They are left if they are the main fixators and substitutes for lost or fragmented areas of bone tissue.
Very rarely, specialists resort to the use of external frames. This makes it possible to secure the bone in the desired position using bolts, which are removed after the injury has healed. This technique is quite complex; the treatment takes longer, but the results are positive.
Important! A plaster cast is applied after a leg fracture in almost 100% of cases. How long it needs to be worn depends on the fracture.
The duration of wearing a cast varies and depends on the severity and location of the fracture, as well as on how long the fracture heals.
These terms are arbitrary and may vary upward or downward.
There is no medication therapy. The patient receives painkillers during the main treatment procedures. Sometimes the doctor prescribes calcium supplements. This is necessary to accelerate the fusion of bone tissue.
In case of an uncomplicated injury, the victim will be able to continue the process of bone healing at home if they strictly follow all the instructions of the attending physician.
Quite often, a patient complains that his leg hurts after a fracture. The intensity of pain varies from person to person; the main thing is to follow all recommendations for the rehabilitation period after removing the cast.
During the rehabilitation period until the fracture heals, great importance is given to learning to walk on crutches. If the physical load on the leg is not distributed correctly and the rules of walking are not followed, the patient may fall and injure the leg a second time. To avoid this, the patient, under the guidance of a rehabilitation therapist, must learn to walk along the hospital corridor with two crutches, and only when he acquires this skill and feels confident can he carefully go up and down the stairs. Next, the person can move on to using one crutch and a cane when walking.
The rehabilitation program also includes:
Important! A fracture of the lower limb is an injury that is accompanied by a violation of bone integrity. Timely seeking help, the correct choice of treatment and rehabilitation methods significantly increase the prognosis of the disease and prevent the development of complications. It is important to remember that the older the victim, the more difficult it will be for the bones to heal and in the future, there will be discomfort while walking.
If you have not suffered from a broken leg, then you will not understand what it is. At first I lay stretched, and then I learned to walk again. It's very hard.
This article talks about the types of leg fractures. Common causes of injuries and symptoms of various injuries are described. The principles of diagnosis and treatment are indicated.
The human leg is made up of many bones. A person needs to know what leg fractures happen and how they manifest themselves in order to provide first aid when required.
Leg bone fractures can occur:
In addition to traumatic ones, there are pathological and stress fractures of the legs.
Pathological fractures mainly affect older people. And people with diseases that negatively affect bone strength - osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, tuberculosis).
A fracture of one limb or fractures of both legs at once may also occur.
What types of leg fractures can occur? Injuries are distinguished by the damaged part of the limb.
Table. Types of leg fractures:
What types of leg fractures occur, besides bone damage? There are also joint fractures, where several connecting bones, cartilage, and ligaments are damaged at once - a fracture of the femur, knee, ankle joints.
Light leg fractures are those injuries where only one bone is affected and there is no displacement of the fragments. All other damage is severe.
Symptoms of injuries are very varied and depend on many factors:
There are common signs of damage:
What do leg fractures look like depending on the damaged bones?
There are three types of hip fractures:
Symptoms vary depending on the location of the fracture:
All types of injuries are characterized by hematomas and swelling of the skin, complete or partial loss of limb function. Hip fractures are often accompanied by damage to veins and arteries, which causes significant blood loss.
What types of leg fractures occur in this section?
The lower leg is formed by: a large, massive tibia, and a thinner fibula. Fractures can occur in each of them separately - isolated fractures. If both bones are injured, it is considered a combined fracture.
Isolated fractures of both bones manifest themselves in the same way:
Combined fractures are considered a complex injury, and the symptoms are more pronounced.
Signs of a foot fracture depend on which bone is broken, whether the fragments are displaced, and whether the fracture is open or closed.
Since the foot is formed by many bones, and the signs can vary dramatically, a detailed examination of the injured limb is required.
Why are leg fractures dangerous? Since large nerves and vessels pass through the area of the lower limb, there is a high risk of damage and the development of bleeding and neurological disorders. There are also late complications, such as false joints, arthrosis, and osteomyelitis. Frequent leg fractures especially contribute to this.
To establish a diagnosis, the doctor carefully determines the history of the disease, which allows one to establish the mechanism of injury, identify concomitant injuries and somatic diseases.
Next, the patient is sent for instrumental and laboratory examination:
In case of serious injuries, an examination is carried out after the danger to the patient's life has been eliminated.
What kind of therapy will depend on many factors - the complexity and nature of the injury, the patient’s age, and the presence of concomitant diseases. Uncomplicated fractures are treated on an outpatient basis, while others are treated in a hospital setting.
The main treatment is carried out in different ways - conservative and surgical. Conservative treatment is more often carried out in young people for fractures without displacement or with slight displacement of the fragments.
For non-displaced fractures, a plaster cast is applied to the injured limb. Displaced fractures require repositioning of fragments and immobilization of the limb. If there is significant displacement, skeletal traction of the limb is prescribed.
Surgical treatment is carried out according to indications:
For open fractures, primary treatment of the wound, open reposition of fragments and their fixation, and conversion of an open fracture to a closed one are performed. You can learn more about the operation from the video in this article.
In case of pronounced displacement of fragments, surgical treatment is performed using osteosynthesis. Periosteal or intraosseous osteosynthesis is performed using metal knitting needles or screws.
Drug treatment is also prescribed. The patient is prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators, calcium supplements, and vitamins. For open fractures, antibacterial therapy is mandatory. Medicines can be purchased at pharmacies; for ease of use, each package contains instructions.
The main treatment is complemented by a rehabilitation course, which includes physical therapy, massage, and physiotherapeutic procedures. Proper rehabilitation helps eliminate many complications after an injury and speeds up the recovery process.
Knowing what kind of leg fractures there are, even a person far from medicine will be able to provide the victim with the right help and maintain his health and ability to work.
Closed or open fracture of the knee is a common injury, accounting for half of all injuries to the lower extremities. The injury is quite complex and greatly affects musculoskeletal function. When a fracture occurs, a person experiences pain, which intensifies over time; swelling, redness and other unpleasant symptoms also occur.
The sooner a fracture of the knee joint is detected and first aid is provided, the faster and less painful the recovery will be.
There are different types of injuries to the knee, which affect the symptoms. Also, for different forms of fracture, therapeutic measures and rehabilitation periods will differ. A leg fracture in the area of the knee joint is classified into open and closed. The latter is characterized by the integrity of the skin and the bone does not come out. An open fracture of the patella occurs with damage to the skin and soft tissues. Considering the location of the injury, the following types are distinguished:
There are also comminuted fractures without and with displacement, in which the bone structures remain motionless. The compression type of disorder in the knee area is characterized by a milder course, since it is not complicated by the crushing and movement of bone fragments. You need to contact a doctor immediately, who will determine the type of knee injury and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
It is difficult not to detect pathological manifestations of a crack in the knee, since they are clearly pronounced. A fracture of the knee cap is accompanied by severe pain, which manifests itself directly in the affected area. After some time, the pain radiates to the thigh and ankle. The pain gradually becomes dull and aching, but does not go away. The patient's sensitivity decreases or completely disappears. Other signs of a knee fracture include:
A person can detect the symptoms of a knee injury on his own, but it is impossible to find out its severity and type without medical help. All fractures of the knee joint require an x-ray, which shows the line of injury, displacement and other necessary details. Also, for complex diagnostics, arthroscopy is performed, which is more informative than x-rays. During manipulation, the articular area is visualized using endoscopic devices.
It is strictly forbidden to try to cope with the pathology on your own, especially if an open fracture has occurred. Incorrect alignment of the bone and unnecessary leg movements can complicate the problem and lead to irreversible complications.
The limb is immobilized and a cold compress is applied.
At the first sign of damage, you need to know what measures to take to avoid further damage. First of all, the injured lower limb is immobilized. Then the following actions are carried out:
Return to contents
A fracture of the condyle of the knee joint without displacement and damage to the skin can be eliminated non-surgically. Painkillers are used to help relieve painful symptoms and other unpleasant manifestations. Local anesthetics are applied to the injured area of the knee. The sore leg is straightened, then it is fixed in a static state. The doctor applies a plaster cast from the hip to the foot. For less serious injuries, it is possible to use a knee orthosis.
During the treatment period, it is important to avoid any stress on the knee. To facilitate movement, it is recommended to use crutches. On average, the period of conservative therapy takes 1-1.5 months. Treatment is followed by long-term rehabilitation after a fracture of the knee joint, which allows you to restore the functional tone of the joints and strengthen the muscles.
Most often, in case of such an injury, surgery is performed on the kneecap, which allows full restoration of motor ability. Surgery is especially necessary for open or displaced knee injuries. During surgical manipulation, the surgeon restores the damaged bone from fragments, fixing it with knitting needles or metal plates. To restore the knee joint, a bolt with a tie or wire is used. The operation can be performed in 2 ways:
After surgery, an elastic or plaster bandage is applied to fix the limb in the correct position. If cartilage tissue is damaged, therapy is supplemented by taking chondroprotective drugs that help strengthen and regenerate it. After surgery, anti-inflammatory medications are often prescribed, since complications with the development of autoimmune processes are not uncommon.
After removing the plaster from the knee, it is necessary to strengthen the dynamic tone of the joints and muscles. For this purpose, physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, and a gymnastic complex are prescribed. By using all these restorative techniques, it is possible to speed up the healing process. Exercise therapy is prescribed by the doctor, taking into account the severity of the injury and the patient’s condition. At first, exercise is carried out at an easy pace without the use of exercise equipment. Perform the following exercises:
Additionally, massage procedures are carried out to normalize blood flow in damaged areas of the knee and speed up the process of restoration of injured tissues. Equally important during rehabilitation after a fracture is nutritional adjustment. The emphasis is on foods containing calcium. Add to the daily diet:
Under the influence of current, the healing agent acts at the cellular level.
During recovery, multivitamin complexes are taken to saturate the damaged structures of the musculoskeletal system with useful microelements. Physiotherapeutic procedures are also carried out:
A displaced fracture of the kneecap can lead to serious complications without timely treatment. The resulting fragments damage the muscles, ligament and tendon fibers with sharp edges. If treatment is carried out at the wrong time or incorrectly, then improper fusion of bone structures is possible, which will affect the motor function of the limb. In the future, the person may remain disabled and will not be able to move independently. Complications can also arise after surgical repair of a knee fracture. Diseases of the cardiovascular system often occur against the background of trauma. The danger comes from local consequences, manifested in the form of infection or suppuration.
A foot fracture is one of the most common injuries. Every fifth case of injury in the human body occurs due to damage to the bones that form the foot. This injury is a complex injury in which it is important to provide the patient with proper care and control. Every effort must be made to properly treat the injury. The consequences of incorrect and delayed treatment can lead to various pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, and in severe cases the victim may remain disabled.
How to determine a foot fracture if a person is injured? What first aid is needed for a fracture?
Before analyzing this fracture, the causes of its occurrence and possible consequences, you should familiarize yourself with the structure of this area of the lower limb.
The lower part of the leg is called the foot. The side that is stepped on the floor is the sole, and the opposite side is the back. Thanks to its flexibility and elasticity, the arched foot structure is responsible for distributing weight and minimizing shock during walking.
The foot consists of 26 bones, interconnected by joints and a large number of ligaments. Experts distinguish three parts of the foot - the tarsus, metatarsus and phalanges.
The tarsal section consists of the calcaneus, talus, cuboid, navicular and three sphenoid bones.
Proximally, or toward the center of the body, the talus connects to the tibia. Distally or further away from the center, the tarsal bones articulate with the metatarsal bones, which form joints with the ossicles of the main phalanges of the fingers.
The foot also contains 19 muscles, thanks to which movement of the leg is possible. The plantaris muscles are responsible for the movement of the toes. They are attached to the bones using tendons.
The foot joint is surrounded by tendons that support it and connect it to the bones.
In the area where the joints are located, the ends of the bones are covered with cartilage tissue. Without this tissue, the human body cannot move smoothly.
The main arteries of the foot are located on the foot - the dorsal and posterior, as well as the tibial. Nerve endings are responsible for the functioning of the muscular system of the foot - they transmit sensations to the human brain center.
Any foot fracture can impinge on arteries, muscles, nerves and joints, which can have negative consequences.
Fractures of the foot bones occur more often among the adult population. The main factors for foot fractures include the following definitions:
Foot damage can occur suddenly and does not depend on gender or lifestyle. But there is a category of people who are more often susceptible to this disease than others.
A foot injury depends on where the bone is broken. Based on the indicators, foot fractures are characterized by the following injuries:
A crack in the foot and multiple fractures of the foot are also possible. There are unspecified fractures, without damage to the ankle joint, open and closed fractures.
If the soft tissues of the leg are not damaged, the skin is intact, the fracture is considered closed. An open fracture refers to severe forms when the integrity of the skin is broken and the bone protrudes outward.
How to determine a foot fracture, what signs exist?
Symptoms indicating the occurrence of a fracture of the bones of the foot are represented by the following indicators: swelling in the damaged area and severe pain. In most cases, with a fracture, the pain is so severe that the person cannot step on the leg. Sometimes when a foot fracture occurs, bruises occur because the bones have been displaced.
The signs and symptoms of a fracture can vary significantly.
One of the largest bones of the foot is the talus. It connects the shin and foot together, for this reason it bears a large load. This bone is nourished by small vessels, which means that blood circulation in it is weak, so recovery after a fracture of the metatarsal bone, like other bones, takes a longer period.
Injuries to the talus are rare in traumatology and belong to the group of severe injuries to the bones of the foot. They can be combined with other injuries.
Characteristic signs of a foot fracture:
The calcaneus is located under the talus and has the largest volume. When it is damaged, the talus becomes wedged and, as a result, splits.
Trauma to the calcaneus is divided into - fracture of the foot with or without displacement, simple, comminuted, impacted.
After the injury, swelling occurs below the ankle and hematoma. The contour of the heel changes - it becomes rounded and becomes more swollen. When trying to touch it, the victim experiences acute pain that radiates to the calf muscle. A person cannot walk normally, broken bones cause severe pain when stepping on the heel, so while walking, he is forced to rely on the forefoot. When tapping the heel area, a sharp pain appears.
Often, scaphoid injuries are combined with other foot fractures and are manifested by the following symptoms:
These bones are located on the back of the foot, and have the following symptoms of a fracture:
A fracture of the cuboid bone is a rare injury, despite the fact that it is located on the outside, closer to the outer edge.
The largest percentage of injuries is a fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot. This is facilitated by the anatomical structure of the metatarsus, which consists of thin tubular bones. According to statistics, it can be seen that a fracture of the 4th metatarsal bone of the foot is more common, as well as a fracture of the 5th metatarsal bone of the foot and the first.
Metatarsal fractures can be multiple, single, stress or traumatic. Depending on the degree of fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot, fractures of the head, neck and body of the metatarsal bones are distinguished.
A single fracture of the metatarsal bones of the foot is rarely accompanied by displacement of the fragments, since the remaining intact metatarsal bones act as a natural latch that holds the fragments.
With traumatic injury, a fracture of the metatarsal bone can occur with or without displacement.
Stress fractures most often occur in people who lead physically active lives. With this fracture, a bone crack is formed, which is difficult to detect. Also, a stress fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot can occur due to constant wearing of uncomfortable shoes or chronic pathologies that provoke damage.
If the leg turns inward, there is a possibility of an avulsion fracture—the bones are torn off and displaced.
Stress loads can cause a fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone of the foot. A Jones fracture or, as it is called, a fracture of the base of the 5th metatarsal bone is characterized by slow healing. This is due to the fact that blood circulation in this area is very weak.
Fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot symptoms:
This type of fracture of the bones of the foot occurs when directly exposed to a traumatic force - a blow, an object falling on the foot, or as a result of twisting.
Fractures of the 3rd and middle phalanges of the toes do not subsequently disrupt the mechanism of action of the foot. The determining role in dysfunction is played by improper fusion of the main phalanges during a fracture.
If the phalanges of the fingers or the base of the metatarsal bone are broken, the following symptoms appear:
The injured person should be given first aid immediately after receiving the injury, which will be the key to reducing the number of complications.
For any fracture of the foot, the scheme of first aid is the same, but it should be carried out by people who understand fractures and know its signs.
Important! If there is a displacement or the bones have protruded outward, then it is strictly forbidden to reset such damage yourself. When fulfilling the second point, you should remember that you are allowed to take only mild analgesics, no more. If first aid is provided correctly, then rehabilitation after a metatarsal fracture and other foot injuries will take place without negative consequences.
A fracture of the foot bones has a specific pattern. If you add the cause of the injury, then a preliminary diagnosis is ready. But this data is not enough for successful therapy and recovery. Information is needed about the location of the fracture, the absence or presence of shifts, the number of broken bones, and the location of the fragments.
X-ray of the foot allows you to see all the anomalies that have occurred. But sometimes one image is not enough, the fracture line is not visible, so it is necessary to take an x-ray in two or three projections.
If the fracture is severe, then CT or MRI is prescribed for accurate diagnosis and assessment of the condition of the soft tissues.
With the help of this examination, it is possible to confirm the diagnosis and choose a treatment regimen.
Treatment for a broken foot depends largely on how severe the injury is. In some cases, as in the treatment of a fracture of the metatarsal bones of the foot, it is enough to fix the damaged area with a special bandage or shoes. In addition, in case of minor injuries, it is necessary to avoid putting stress on the injured leg and use a crutch or cane when walking. If necessary, immobility can be ensured by applying a plaster bandage. Sometimes surgery may be necessary.
If a foot fracture occurs without displacement of the fragments, then the recovery period is significantly reduced, even if the metatarsal bones are damaged. The main method of therapy is immobilization or immobilization of the damaged area using a plaster cast.
To achieve maximum effect, plaster is applied to 2 adjacent joints, and up to the middle third of the lower leg. To keep the leg at rest, in the first week, after a fracture of the 5th metatarsal bone and other injuries, it is necessary to observe bed rest, it will reduce swelling and pain.
If there is a fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal foot or another bone with displacement, then the doctor’s main task is to compare the bone fragments and fix them in a position as close as possible to the anatomical one. In medical practice there are two types of reposition:
If fractures of the foot bones are open, this complicates treatment. Antibacterial treatment plays the main role in such therapy. The main purpose of which is to avoid wound suppuration and infection.
Faced with this injury, the victim and his relatives are interested in when it is possible to step on the foot, how long to wear a cast, how long it takes to heal a fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot, what exercises or massage may be needed.
The location of the damaged bone, the severity and presence of displacement will determine how long it takes for a foot fracture to heal and how long to walk in a cast. Other factors also have a significant impact on treatment and rehabilitation time.
The rehabilitation period depends on the complexity of the fracture. The complex of measures consists of various forms of physical therapy, physiotherapy, and massage is also recommended. The procedures are prescribed by the doctor individually after the main treatment.
How to develop a foot, is it possible to undergo a rehabilitation course at home, is it dangerous to do exercises if the fracture was complicated by bone fragments. Answers to all questions can be obtained from your attending physician, who will draw up a recovery plan and explain how to develop the damaged foot yourself.
Correct and timely treatment can significantly shorten the rehabilitation period and restore full function of the foot.
Do not delay diagnosis and treatment of the disease!