Fractures can cause or contribute to additional issues (complications). Serious complications, on the other hand, are uncommon. If the skin is ripped or blood vessels or nerves are harmed, the risk of catastrophic problems increases.
Some consequences (such as blood vessel and nerve damage, compartment syndrome, fat embolism, and infections) develop immediately after the injury. Others (such as joint and healing issues) emerge over time.
Damage to blood vessels
If a person is taking an anticoagulant (a medicine that prevents blood clots from forming), even slight accidents might result in significant bleeding.
Blood flow to the leg might be disrupted by a dislocated hip or knee. As a result, the tissues in the leg may not receive enough blood (a condition known as ischemia) and may die (a condition known as necrosis). If enough tissue dies, a portion of the leg may be amputated. Fractures of the elbow or upper arm can occasionally impede blood flow to the forearm, creating similar complications. Symptoms of a disturbed blood flow may not appear for several hours after the injury.
Damage to the nerves
When a bone fractures, nerves might be stretched, damaged, or crushed. A direct strike can sever or damage a nerve. Depending on the degree of the accident, these injuries normally heal on their own over weeks, months, or years. Some nerve damage never entirely heals.
Nerves are seldom severed, occasionally by sharp bone pieces. When the skin is ripped, the nerves are more likely to be torn. Torn nerves do not heal on their own and may require surgical repair.
Infections
When a bone is shattered and the skin tears, the wound may get infected, and the infection may travel to the bone (a condition known as osteomyelitis, which is extremely difficult to treat).
Joint issues
Fractures that extend into a joint frequently cause cartilage damage at the ends of the bones in the joint (known as joint surfaces). This smooth, strong, protective tissue normally allows joints to move freely. Damaged cartilage scars, resulting in osteoarthritis, which stiffens joints and reduces their range of motion. After an accident, the knee, elbow, and shoulder are especially prone to stiffness, especially in the elderly.
Physical treatment is frequently required to help the joint move as normally as possible and to prevent stiffness.
Surgery is frequently required to restore the damaged cartilage. After such surgery, the cartilage is less prone to scarring, and if scarring does develop, it is usually milder.
Some fractures can cause a joint to become unstable, increasing the risk of recurrent injuries and osteoarthritis. Appropriate treatment, which may include a cast or splint, can help prevent long-term complications.
Even though bone fractures are frequent injuries, they can be frightening. Talk to Dr. Srinivas Kasha about what to anticipate if you break a bone. Most people who break a bone recover completely and may resume their pre-injury routines and activities with no long-term consequences.
Don't put off your rehabilitation. Giving your body the time it needs to heal might be irritating, but it's the only way to avoid reinjuring your bone while it heals.
Why Choose Dr. Srinivas Kasha?
Dr Srinivas Kasha is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon with over 15 years of experience in successfully performing Total Joint Replacement Surgeries
We offer the most advanced technology at a world class facility for right diagnosis & treatment care
By incorporating the most advanced techniques & technologies, we ensure best possible outcomes for all our patients.