Fractures and Dislocation Treatment in San Angelo

How We Treat Fractures and Dislocations

When you break a bone, the result is a bone fracture. Bone fractures are quite common, with the average person experiencing two over a lifetime. When the physical force exerted on the bone is stronger than the bone, a bone fracture occurs. Bone fractures are typically caused by trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident or a sports injury, osteoporosis, which is a disorder that weakens the bones, and overuse, which is repetitive motion that tires muscles and places force on the bone. A dislocation, on the other hand, is an injury to the joint, which is the place where two or more bones come together. This forces the ends of your bones out of position. Dislocations often occur during contact sports, where trauma and sports injuries run rampant, as well as during motor vehicle accidents or any collision that causes trauma to the area.

Symptoms of a Bone Fracture

• A visibly displaced or misshapen limb or joint
• Swelling, bruising, and bleeding
• Intense pain
• Numbness and tingling
• Broken skin and protruding bone
• Limited mobility and inability to move a limb

Symptoms of a Dislocation

• Pain in the area
• Swelling in the area
• Bruising in the area
• Instability of the joint
• Loss of ability to move the joint
• Visibly deformed joint

Emergency Treatment for a Bone Fracture

Because a bone fracture is essentially a bone that has been broken, when we treat these conditions, our primary goal will be to restore the pieces to their proper position and keep them in place so that the body’s healing process can take place. Treatment for bone fractures might look different for every patient, depending on the location and severity, but often includes the following methods:

• Cast immobilization

This is the most common method and is done with a plaster or fiberglass cast.

• Traction

The goal of traction is to reposition the bone pieces with a gentle pulling motion.

• External fixation

This is a surgery that places metal pins or screws in the pieces of the bones. The purpose of the pins and screws is to connect to a metal bar outside of the skin, which holds the pieces of the bone in place so that they can heal.

• Open reduction and internal fixation

This is a surgery that repositions the bone pieces and holds them together using pins, screws, or plates on the surface of the bone. The hardware might need to be removed once the body has healed.

Emergency Treatment for a Dislocation

Before we begin treatment for a dislocation, we must first determine that a dislocation is the cause of your pain. We will do this through the use of X-rays and imaging, which can diagnose fractures and other injuries in the area. In order to restore normal alignment, your treatment method can include the following:

• Gently maneuvering the joint back into its proper position, with the assistance of pain medication and skilled physicians
• Using a splint or a sling to prevent the dislocation from moving while It heals
• Providing a referral to an orthopedist or primary care sports medicine provider who can give follow-up evaluation and further treatment

If you have experienced trauma and think you might be suffering from a bone fracture or dislocation in the San Angelo, Texas area, Concho Valley ER can help. Call us today at (325) 225-5500 or contact us online for more information.