• Other Conditions
• Joint pain
• Muscle injuries
• Strains and sprains
• Spinal pain
• Pre & Post orthopaedic surgery
• Spinal surgery
• Chronic pain
• Soft tissue injuries
• Sports injuries
• Repetitive strain injury
• Fractures
• Osteoarthritis
• Children with musculoskeletal injuries
• Rheumatologic problems
• Headaches
• Pregnancy related back and pelvic pain

Fractures

A fracture refers to a disruption in the continuity of bone due to excess force or an impact and is simply the medical term for a break. Fractures can occur in any age group and are very common in children and the elderly. A child's fracture isn't usually associated with any further complications other than the break itself. As people age their bones become less resilient which can result in breaks from a simple fall or low impact connection.

There are many classifications of fractures.

The main ones that are commonly seen are:-

• Displaced - the two ends don't align with each other
• Non displaced - the bone cracks but alignment is maintained
• Comminuted - bone breaks into many pieces
• Closed - the bone breaks but there is no superficial wound
• Open - the bone breaks with a visible skin wound - this can lead to infection
• Greenstick - refers to a break in the consistency of a child's bone
• Impacted fracture - commonly seen in arm fractures. The ends are driven in to each other

In order for the bone to heal it will need to go through the healing process.

The healing process consists of:-

• The inflammation stage
• Formation of soft callus
• Formation of hard callus
• The remodelling phase

The time of this process varies due to the severity. Our physiotherapists will explain the healing process in more depth so that you can understand what can be done at each stage to aid in a faster recovery period.

The severity of the fracture depends on the site of the fracture, type and the amount of damage to the nearby tissues. Some fractures can be dangerous such as open fractures as the bone ends are exposed to bacteria and can be incredibly hard to manage and may take some time. this can also lead to further complications.

Treatment for a fracture

Immediate treatment for a fracture varies depending on the location and severity.s

This may consist of:-

• Cast mobilisation
• Traction
• External fixation
• Open reduction
• Internal fixation
• Functional cast or brace

Evidence based treatment will be applied so that a speedy recovery can be reached.

For further information regarding fractures or to speak with one of our specialised fracture physiotherapist please call us on 07734054192 or send an e-mail to office@sportandspinalphysio.co.uk