With today’s active lifestyles, people may find that they are more prone than ever to bumps and bruises. It’s important to know what kinds of injuries require medical attention and which will likely heal on their own. The physicians at Angelo Mattalino, MD want you to know everything you need to know about injuries that might require the services of a fracture surgeon.
If you fall or otherwise sustain a bruise, how do you know if it is serious enough to need medical attention? Is it a bruise, a sprain, or a fracture? How can you tell?
What is a Fracture Surgeon?
A fracture surgeon is–just as it sounds–a surgeon who specializes in dealing with bone fractures. There are two ways to re-align and set a broken bone. If the bone can be repositioned without surgery, it is referred to as a closed reduction. If surgery is required to reposition the broken bone completely, it is referred to as an open reduction. A fracture surgeon is one who specializes in open reduction surgery.
How Can You Tell if a Bone is Broken?
Open Fractures
An open fracture is easy to see. The broken bone has broken through the skin and is visible. This is a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention in the emergency room.
Displaced Fractures
Displaced fractures are breaks where the ends of the bone have become displaced, or are not lined up with each other. The skin may be intact, but a displaced fracture usually shows some deformity in the limb.
Closed Fractures
Closed fractures are more difficult to diagnose. Some common signs that a bone may be broken are:
- Pain in the area that gets worse with movement or pressure
- Widespread bruising
- Lack of mobility
- Inability of the affected area to bear weight without severe pain
- Obvious deformity of a limb
- Swelling
A medical professional may also be able to ascertain if a bone is broken by feeling a crunching condition beneath the skin. And of course, a medical professional may also use x-rays, CT scans or MRIs to diagnose a fracture.
If you suspect that there is a bone fracture, seek medical attention as soon as possible. If the break is severe, a fracture surgeon will be the best professional to see. A patient may also be referred to physical therapy to begin the rehabilitation of the limb.
Conclusion
The doctors at Angelo Mattalino, MD are experts at diagnosing and treating complex bone fractures. If your active lifestyle has left you with an injury, consult with us for your treatment options. Contact us today to book an appointment in Tempe.