In short, a fracture and a break are the same thing. Sometimes, we characterize the impact to the bone as a fracture when it is less severe compared to when the bone is clearly in two pieces (break). The terminology, however, is used interchangeably.
Repetitive stress (check out my previous blog on this topic) Such as from running, dancing, and other hyperextension-based sports such as volleyball, cricket (fast bowling) and pole vaulting. Trauma A direct blow or fall to the affected area Low bone health/ density + trauma In older populations or those affected by medications causing low bone density, plus a trip, slip or fall can cause a fracture in areas such as the hip, wrist, spine or ribs.
Please remember, your Physiotherapist can send you for the necessary scans to determine if a fracture is present, and then the severity. Your Physiotherapist can then discuss with you and assist in the next steps of your healing process. Only some scanned areas may attract a Medicare rebate.
The management of a fracture will depend on several factors; – Fracture location – Fracture type – Patient internal factors including past history
Reduction and casting: some fractures may need to be ‘put back in place’ before they can be casted and allowed time to heal. This procedure is done in hospital, with the bones realigned (reduction) and a plaster cast or other is applied to the affected limb, usually for a minimum of 6 weeks and in other cases 12-24 weeks.
Bracing or casting: If a fracture does not need to be realigned, a brace such as a boot for the foot, may be applied by your physiotherapist to keep the injury stable and allow it to heal. In the case of a lower limb injury, crutches may be recommended also to assist with managing pain and reducing the weight going through the affected part of the limb.
Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF): Some fractures are more complex and require the use of plates and screws to hold the bones back together while they heal. You may then be supplied with further bracing/casting and ways to offload the area such as a boot or sling to assist with the healing process.
Depending on the location, type of fracture and quality of the person’s bones, fracture healing can take between 6 and 12 weeks (about 3 months) for most upper limb injuries and 6-24 weeks for some lower limb injuries.
Some spinal or rib injuries may be 6-12 weeks and above, depending on the quality of the bone and requirements for rest.
We will usually send for a follow up Xray when we believe you will be showing signs of healing to determine how well the bones are fusing back together and adjust our advice and timelines as needed. Some fractures may need more detailed imaging, which is where a CT or MRI scan may be recommended.
In short, your rehabilitation journey will cover several areas. Your Physiotherapist will work with you to regain any range of motion that may have been lost in an affected or restricted joint, provide a strengthening program (in clinic options available) for weakened muscles, provide pain management advice (for medications, please see your General Practitioner or local Pharmacist), and work with you toward your pre-injury goals and beyond. Each individual case is thoroughly considered to ensure a personalised recovery.
About the author
While sport is her passion, CSSM Physiotherapist Kelsey Thomas believes that creating solid foundations of strength and rehabilitation are key components in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, whether you work in an office or as an elite athlete. “Having participated in a fair few sports over the years it’s given me a better understanding of the demands the body can be put through, the movements required to succeed and the difficult task of taking time away from the sport you love when injured.”
Kelsey employs a hands-on approach when treating muscular pains and joint dysfunction, complementing treatment outcomes with modalities such as cupping, dry needling, trigger point therapy, and taping. “Shoulder joint issues really fascinate me because they can be unpredictable and complex. I really enjoy the process of breaking down why the injury has occurred in the first place and rehabilitating the joint structures.”
Away from work, Kelsey is an avid participator in rock climbing and has competed in both state and national events.
Book an appointment with Kelsey.
References ElHawary, H., Baradaran, A., Abi-Rafeh, J., Vorstenbosch, J., Xu, L., & Efanov, J. I. (2021, August). Bone healing and inflammation: principles of fracture and repair. In Seminars in plastic surgery (Vol. 35, No. 03, pp. 198-203). Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.. DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1732334 Hurtado, Y., Hernández, O. A., De Leon, D. P. A., & Duque, G. (2024). Challenges in Delivering Effective Care for Older Persons with Fragility Fractures. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 133-140. DOI 10.2147/CIA.S433999 Viero, A., Obertová, Z., Cappella, A., Messina, C., Sconfienza, L. M., Sardanelli, F., … & Cattaneo, C. (2021). The problem of dating fractures: A retrospective observational study of radiologic features of fracture healing in adults. Forensic Science International, 329, 111058 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111058
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