Condition
Fractures
A fracture is a break in the continuity of a bone, ranging from a thin crack to a complete separation.
Types Of Bone Fractures:
- Closed fracture
- Open fracture
- Comminuted fracture
- Greenstick fracture
- Impacted fracture
- Compression (vertebra)
- Spiral fracture
- Pathologic fracture
Types Of Joint Fractures:
Joint fractures involve the articular surfaces and surrounding structures of a joint, and bone fractures can extend into the joint itself. Associated injuries include cartilage tears and hemarthrosis (bleeding into the joint space).
Overview
Aetiology
Fractures are most often caused by trauma, such as a fall, direct blow, or twisting force that exceeds the strength of the bone. Stress fractures are caused by over-use or repeated force, such as in the case of an athlete, and tend to affect the metatarsal bones most frequently. Pathologic fractures occur when bone weakened by disease, such as osteoporosis or tumor, breaks under normal or minimal load.
Presentation
Symptoms
Typical symptoms include localized pain that worsens with movement or pressure, swelling, bruising, and tenderness over the affected bone. There may be visible deformity, an inability to bear weight or use the limb, and in some cases an audible crack at the time of injury.
Assessment
Differential Diagnosis
- Hemarthrosis
The Herbs
Materia Medica (2)
Herbs traditionally or clinically used for fractures.
