Comminuted Fracture: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, More

What is a comminuted fracture?

A comminuted fracture occurred when bone broke in more than three places. These are most common in long bones, such as the arms or legs. They often cause pain and restricted movement of the bones. Further, it can also cause damage to surrounding tissue and organs. It usually take at least one year to heal.

A comminuted fracture in one or more of the ribs can lead to a pneumothorax, which is the presence of air around the lungs from a fragment of bone that has penetrated the pleural space. It can sometimes cause internal bleeding. Moreover, it increases pressure in surrounding muscles and causes compartment syndrome. It is a condition in which muscle pressure rises to dangerous levels. Further, it can lead to the death of surrounding tissues.

Symptoms of a comminuted fracture?

A comminuted fracture may present with the following symptoms: Further, the severity of symptoms depends upon the injuries.

• Intense pain.
• Cannot move injured body’s part normally.
• The fractured part will look different or is outside its usual place.
• Swelling.
• Bruising.

What causes comminuted fractures?

Car accidents and falls from high places, such as ladders or roofs, are two of the most common causes. Comminuted fractures can result from any force applied to your bones.

Although slips, falls, and other common causes for broken bones don’t often cause enough damage to your bones to cause a fracture.

How are comminuted fractures diagnosed?

Your health professional will identify a comminuted fracture following a physical exam and imaging studies. A group of medical professionals will stabilize you and treat any severe wounds.

X-ray. In this examination, energy beams photograph bones and other bodily parts. The image will show your bones as white areas. On an X-ray, a fractured bone will appear as a darker region.

MRI. These scans are done using a large magnet and a machine to take images inner body. Your doctor will examine these images on a computer screen to look for fractures.

CT scan. During this scan, your doctor might take both vertical and horizontal images of your body. Compared to standard X Rays, these scans are more thorough.

Bone Grafting

If the fracture is not healing well or there are severe bone displacements, bone grafting is required. Your doctor will place bone tissue in the fractured area to support regrowth.

Complications from a Comminuted Fracture

If you have the proper treatment, the comminuted fracture can heal properly. However, complications such as:

• Bone death avascular necrosis
• Bone shifting and healing can occur in the wrong place
• A disruption in bone growth can cause deformities
• Infections of the bone marrow

You may not be able to do the things you love for several months, depending on how severe your injury is. If you want to hasten your healing pay attention to what your doctor says.

What can I do to reduce my chance of comminuted fractures?

These actions will assist you in lowering the possibility of harm in daily life.

• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Your house or workstation should be clutter-free for both you and others.
• Always use the right tools and equipment at home. Stay on countertops, tables, or chairs.
• Maintain bone health by following a healthy diet and exercising.
• If you are over 50 years old or have a family history, talk to your provider about a bone sensitivity test.

How are comminuted fractures treated?

Comminuted fractures can treat using a variety of methods. The choice of technique your surgeon uses will depend upon injuries and other complications. Your surgeon typically carries out internal fixing. He inserts metal pieces into it to keep your bone in place while it heals. These are some of the internal fixation methods:

• Rods: A rod inserts through your bone’s center and runs from the top to the bottom.
• Plates and screws: These metal plates are screwed into your patient’s bone to secure them.
• Pins and wires: Used when bone pieces are too small to be held by other fasteners. They use in the same way as plates or rods. You will likely need wires and pins to hold your bone pieces together after a comminuted fracture.

These pieces are left in the body for years. They may need to be removed in follow-up surgery.