Bones will often flex and give when pressed by an outside force. However, when the force is too great, bones can crack or break (fracture) all the way through.
In extreme cases, a bone may break and stick out through the skin. This type of condition is an "open" fracture.
Marshfield Clinic has orthopedic specialists trained to treat fractures related to traumatic forces.
Treatments
Our Orthopedic doctors will recommend a treatment based on the severity of the break, the specific bone that is broken and whether or not it's "open."
Types of Fractures
Here are explanations of some of the fractures our Orthopedic specialists treat:
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Ankle-shinbone fracture
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Arm fracture
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Clavicle (collarbone) fracture
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Fractures explained
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Hand fracture
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Hip fracture
Casting
A cast made of plaster or fiberglass is a common treatment for breaks when the doctor can reposition the bones. The cast holds them in place while the bones heal.
Functional cast or brace – this device holds the broken bone in place but allows some limited movement of nearby joints.
Traction
This treatment involves a slow, pulling force administered through tapes on the skin or a metal pin placed in a bone. This pulling will gently realign the bone over time.
Surgery
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Open Reduction allows a surgeon will reposition (reduce) broken bones using screws, and metal plates or rods inside or directly on the surface of the bone.
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External fixation uses pins and screws placed on top and bottom of the fracture and connected to metal bars outside the skin. The surgeon removes it when the bones heal properly.
