Modern State-Of-The-Art Orthopedic Procedures Offer You Better Options For Fractured Bones

Posted on: 23 February 2017

Orthopedists have certainly come a long way in treating fractured bones. Period history reminds you that the ancestors of present-day orthopedists skilfully managed treating fractured bones by using wooden sticks to immobilize a fractured limb. They artfully placed an injured extremity in a filled sandbox for good measure. As technology evolved, plaster-of Paris method was a great improvement in the form of a cast. The scientific objective of fixing fractured bones was always about immobilizing fractured fragments as best as possible. Today's procedures embrace state-of-the-art orthopedic procedures for better outcomes in the form of surgical treatments when needed.

Antibiotics Led Way For Surgical Treatment

The discovery of antibiotics promoted surgical treatment of fractures as a most practical method for treating broken bones. Surgery is delivered as a guaranteed method of eliminating the need to immobilize joint near your fracture site. So out through the window went nonsurgical methods of the past, since surgical treatments ruled the way fractured bones would be repaired. At some point, orthopedists began embracing the method of rigid immobilization.

What Is Rigid Immobilization?

Rigid immobilization means that joints above and below your fracture site are stabilized. There was professional disagreement about this method's total acceptance, and there was general disagreement about its worth, which opened up room for discussion about below the knee to below the ankle fracture treatment.

Immobilization Changes Create Problems

The conversation detoured from rigid immobilization to creating a new cast for diaphyseal tibial fractures in the 1960s. That was seen as an effective way to deal with a fractured extremity, but it failed to answer the question of weight-bearing with stresses and was upended by the creation of a below-the-knee functional brace technology.

A Cast Or Splint Treatment For Your Fractured Bone

All of these changing methods are helpful in the evolving care of fractured bones. The general conclusion is that bone fracture is treated with a cast or splint that immobilizes the bone. Either a cast or a splint offers immobilization that ultimately results in bone alignment. There is also use of traction around your fractured bone.

Traction Given When You Suffer A Bone Fracture

Sometimes there is a need for traction that stretches muscles and tendons around your fractured bone. It may be that your fracture will require surgery though. Surgery is most often required for hip fractures, and your orthopedist will discuss the procedure in full before having you scheduled for a surgical intervention. Avoiding falls is your best protection against fractured bones.

Learn About Ways To Avoid Falls

The most important thing for you to do is to try avoiding falls. While this may be easier said than done for elderly people, falls are the number one reason why elderly and other people suffer fractured bones. Discuss with a physician like Ultimate Sports what you can do to avoid falls.

 

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