Bone Fractures Essay, Research Paper
Bone Fractures
“Thank goodness it’s only a fracture. I thought it might be broken.” People
often think that a fracture is less severe than a broken bone, but fractures are broken
bones.
To understand why bones break, it helps to know what bones do and what
they are made of. The bones of the body form the human frame, or skeleton, which
supports and protects the softer parts of the body. Bones are living tissue. They
grow rapidly during one’s early years, and renew themselves when they are broken.
Bones have a center called the marrow, which is softer than the outer part of
the bone. Bone marrow has cells that develop into red blood cells that carry oxygen
to all parts of the body and into white blood cells that help fight disease. Bones also
contain the minerals calcium and phosphorus. These minerals are combined in a
crystal-like or latticework structure. Because of their unique structure, bones can
bear large amounts of weight.
Bones are rigid, but they do bend, or “give” somewhat when an outside force
is applied to them. When this force stops, bone returns to its original shape. For
example, if you fall forward and land on your outstretched hand, there’s an impact
on the bones and connective tissue of your wrist as you hit the ground. The bones of
the hand, wrist and arm can usually absorb this shock by giving slightly and then
returning to their original shape and position. If the force is too great, however,
bones will break, just as a plastic ruler breaks after being bent too far.
The severity of a fracture usually depends on the force that caused the
fracture. If the bone’s breaking point has been exceeded only slightly, then the bone
may crack rather than breaking all the way through. If the force is extreme, such as
in an automobile collision or a gunshot, the bone may shatter. If the bone breaks in
such a way that bone fragments stick out through the skin or a wound penetrates
down to the broken bone, the fracture is called an “open” fracture. This type of
fracture is particularly serious because once the skin is broken, infection in both the
wound and the bone can occur.
Because fractures hurt and make it difficult if not impossible to use the part of
the body that is injured, most people call a doctor or seek emergency care quickly.
In some cases, however, a person can walk on a fractured bone in the leg or foot, or
use a fractured arm. Just because you can use your hand or foot does not mean that
you do not have a fracture. If you think a bone may be broken, you should seek
medical help immediately. A medical examination and x-rays are usually necessary
to tell for sure and to ensure proper treatment.
It is very important to control the movement of a broken bone. Moving a
broken or dislocated bone can cause additional damage to the bone, nearby blood
vessels, and nerves or other tissues surrounding the bone. That’s why people giving
first aid or emergency treatment may splint or brace your injury before medical
treatment is given. Also, if there is an open wound it should be covered by a clean
cloth or bandage on the way to further medical treatment.
At the emergency room, clinic or doctor’s office, the physician usually applies
a splint to prevent further damage, to lessen the pain and to help stop any bleeding.
The patient is usually asked to recline and elevate the injured part. Elevation helps
to reduce bleeding and swelling.
X-rays can help the physician determine whether there is a fracture, and if so,
what type of fracture it is. If there is a fracture, the doctor will “reduce” it, by
restoring the parts of the broken bone to their original positions. “Reduction” is the
technical term for this process.
All forms of treatment of broken bones follow one basic rule: the
broken pieces must be put back into position and prevented from moving out
of place until they are healed. Broken bone ends heal by “knitting” back
together with new bone being formed around the edge of the broken parts.
The specific method of treatment depends on the severity of the break,
whether it is open or closed, and the specific bone involved.
There are many different treatments for bone fractures.
A plaster or fiberglass cast is the most common type of fracture treatment,
because most broken bones can heal successfully once they have been
repositioned and a cast has been applied to keep the broken ends in proper
position while they heal.
The cast or brace allows limited or “controlled” movement of nearby joints.
This treatment is desirable for some but not all fractures.
Traction is usually used to align a bone or bones by a gentle, steady pulling
action. The pulling force may be transmitted to the bone through skin tapes or
a metal pin through a bone. Traction may be used as a preliminary treatment,
before other forms of treatment.
Another treatment is open reduction and internal fixation. In this type of
treatment, an orthopedist must perform surgery on the bone. During this
operation, the bone fragments are first repositioned (reduced) into their
normal alignment, and then held together with special screws or by attaching
metal plates to the outer surface of the bone. The fragments may also be held
together by inserting rods down through the marrow space in the center of the
bone. These methods of treatment can reposition the fracture fragments very
exactly. Because of the risks of surgery, however, and possible
complications, such as infection, they are used only when the orthopedic
surgeon considers such treatment to be the most likely to restore the broken
bone to normal function.
In external fixation, pins or screws are placed into the broken bone above and
below the fracture site. Then the orthopedic surgeon repositions the bone
fragments. The pins or screws are connected to a metal bar or bars outside the
skin. This device is a stabilizing frame that holds the bones in the proper
position so they can heal. After an appropriate period of time, the external
fixation device is removed.
Each of these treatment methods can lead to a completely healed,
well-aligned bone that functions well. Remember that the method of treatment
depends on the type and location of the fracture, the seriousness of the injury, the
condition and needs of the patient, and the judgment of the orthopedist and the
patient.
Successful treatment of a fracture also depends greatly on the patient’s
cooperation. A cast or fixation device may be inconvenient and cumbersome, but
without one a broken bone can’t heal properly. The result may be a painful or poorly
functioning bone or joint. Exercises during the healing process and after the bone
heals are essential to help restore normal muscle strength, joint motion and
flexibility. Help your broken bone heal properly-follow your orthopedist?s advice.
Even though healthy bones are very strong, any bone will break if the force
applied against it is great enough. Bones that are weakened by disease or misuse
may break more easily than healthy bones. To develop and maintain healthy bones,
a person needs adequate amounts of calcium and proper exercise.
Because of the way bones are made, calcium is very important in the growth,
development, and maintenance of strong bones. Adequate amounts of calcium are
necessary as a child grows and for the adult as well. Women, in particular, must
have enough calcium in their diet. The female hormone estrogen regulates the use of
calcium in women’s bodies. Following menopause, when women produce far less
estrogen, calcium regulation is more difficult. So it is very important that women
make their bones as strong as possible before menopause, through weight-beating
exercise and adequate calcium in their diets. In some women after menopause,
bones fracture very easily because they have been weakened by calcium depletion.
Because of the way bones are made, they also get stronger with regular but
not excessive exercise. If a person is active, bones will become stronger and more
dense. The bones of an inactive person are often not as strong and may fracture
more easily than those of an active person. For this reason, older people should try
to remain physically active.
Proper diet and exercise, along with an understanding of what bones are made
of and how they break, may help in preventing some fractures. If you do break a
bone, seek medical treatment and remember-follow your orthopedist?s advice.
Другие работы по теме:
Human Travel Systems Essay Research Paper Human
Human Travel Systems Essay, Research Paper Human Travel Systems We would like to take you on a marvelous trip through the skeletal system. In this trip you will view such sites as the working joints and bones and also the composition of the bone. We can t give away the whole trip quite yet so sit back and enjoy the ride.
The Bone Structure Essay Research Paper The
The Bone Structure Essay, Research Paper The skeletal system is one of the main parts of our bodies. Without our skeletal systems, we wouldn?t be able to move, stand, or live! Our skeletal system is one of the most important parts of our bodies
Why Do We Yawn Essay Research Paper
Why Do We Yawn? The definition of yawning is to open the mouth involuntarily with a prolonged, deep inhalation of air. Yawning is a normal response to fatigue and drowsiness, but excessive yawning can be caused by a vasovagal reaction and may indicate a heart problem. Normal yawning may be induced to cleanse the brain.
The Skeletal System Essay Research Paper The
The Skeletal System Essay, Research Paper The Skeletal System The skeletal system is consists of 206 bones of various shapes, sizes, and functions. Our skeleton consists of two sections. The axial skeleton is made up of the 80 bone of the skull, spine, ribs, and sternum, or breastbone. The appendicular skeleton is made up of the 126 bones of the shoulders, arms, hands, hips, legs, and feet.
Sociology Essay Research Paper Sociology 210 Exam
Sociology Essay, Research Paper Sociology 210 Exam #2 (Essay #4) When sociologists think of the postmodern society, shopping malls are most likely the first thing to come to mind. It can be easily argued that “shopping malls are the cathedrals of postmodern society” Times have changed since Marx argued that who you are is what you do or since Durkheim argued that who you are depends on your religion.
Why Smoking Is Bad For You Essay
, Research Paper We weren’t made for smoking and neither was our environment. By now, almost everyone knows that smoking and other tobacco use causes cancer. But did you know it’s also the number one cause of heart disease and emphysema, too? In fact, smoking is the main cause of preventable death in Canada.
Dad Essay Research Paper DADHe left me
Dad Essay, Research Paper He left me when I was a baby Before I was even born But to think he never tried to find me Makes me shiver through the bone. Wondering year after year
Bone Development Essay Research Paper 2a Functions
Bone Development Essay, Research Paper 2a) Functions of: skeleton: To provide support and protection of body parts.It acts as sites for muscle attachment, blood cell production, and calcium and phosphate storage.
Nutrition Essay Research Paper Calcium Supplementation and
Nutrition Essay, Research Paper Calcium Supplementation and Increases in Bone Mineral Density in Children Scientists have found that peak bone mass in childhood is a major cause of bone mineral density in adulthood and may decrease the risk of osteoporotic fractures. Osteoporotic fractures are those caused by a disease (Osteoporosis) which causes bones to be extremely porous.
The Devellopment Of Synthetic Organs Essay Research
Paper The Development of synthetic organs//Research is being done on developing new ways to make semi-syntheic organs or Neo-organs, that will be useful in the treatment of patients requiring transplants or reconstructive surgery. Currently, hospitals are using similar technology in producing skin, cartiledge, bone, ligament, and tendon tissues.//Presently, bone morphogenic proteins or BMP s are being produced and are being used to inject into a bone fracture.
Nutriton And Bone Growth Essay Research Paper
Nutrition and Bone Growth: Anatomy Lab Sec.3 For years soy has been looked at as a breast cancer and heart disease preventer, bone protecter, a lessoner of menopause symptoms and many others. Recent studies now show that we ve been loading up on soy with no real clear evidence of findings that soy does all these things.
Scoliosis Essay Research Paper ScoliosisEveryone
Scoliosis Essay, Research Paper Scoliosis Everyone’s spine has curves. These curves produce the normal rounding of the shoulder and the sway of the lower back. A spine with scoliosis has abnormal
Bone People Essay Research Paper The Bone
Bone People Essay, Research Paper The Bone People- Relationships Relationships surround us all though out lift. Everyone needs some type of relationship, whether it’s a friendship, family, or lover. People can’t last without them, no matter how different the relationships are. In the novel The Bone People, it’s based on the relationships between the three main characters; Kerewin, Joe and Simon.
Science Essay
– ?Posterior Lumbar Fusion Surgery? Essay, Research Paper Spinal surgery has been performed since 1938. Repair of spinal instability is done by grafting bone to fuse two or more vertebrae together. Spinal fusion surgery is performed on the upper (cervical), middle (thoracic) or lower (lumbar) vertebrae in the spine.
Fertilizer Essay Research Paper Fertilizer is a
Fertilizer Essay, Research Paper Fertilizer is a substance added to soil to help plants grow. Fertilizer is divided into two groups: natural and synthetic. Fertilizer provides one or more of the chemical elements essential for plant nutrition.
Laminitis In Horses Essay Research Paper Laminitis
Laminitis In Horses Essay, Research Paper Laminitis in Horses ABSTRACT: Laminitis is a painful and serious disease that can cause lameness in horses. It is an inflammation of the laminae. The Laminae is tissue that connects coffin bone and the wall of the hoof. Laminitis can occur in any horse, usually obese horses, and ponies.
Rule Of Bone By Russel Banks Essay
, Research Paper Rule of Bone by Russel BanksAs any teenager will attest, one s independence is the most important thing in life. Regardless of what you do, you have to be able to do it on your own, without being tied down to anyone else or having to rely on someone for support. This theme, of having total independence, is the most important aspect in Rule of the Bone, by Russell Banks.
Osteoporosis Essay Research Paper OsteoprosisOsteoporosis is a
Osteoporosis Essay, Research Paper Osteoprosis Osteoporosis is a condition of decreased bone mass. This leads to fragile bones which are at an increased risk for fractures. In fact, it will take much less stress to an osteoporotic bone to cause it to fracture. The term “porosis” means spongy, which describes the appearance of osteoporosis bones when they are broken in half and the inside is examined.
Osteoporosis Essay Research Paper OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is the
Osteoporosis Essay, Research Paper Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is the disease marked by weak, brittle bones mostly found in women. The medical significance of this disease is that the bones lose both calcium for strength and matrix for support. Osteoporosis is the scientific name of the disease, but another term for it is osteopenia.
Bones Image Essay Research Paper Bones Image
Bones Image Essay, Research Paper Bones Image of Herself One of the most complex and elaborate character in Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison is Bone. Through out the story Bone has to live a life where she thinks that she is the leading enigma of the trouble being caused. She has numerous unhappy situations.
Animal Orgins In Humans Essay Research Paper
SHOULD ANIMAL ORGANS BE TRANSPORTED INTO HUMANS Should humans be able to have a choice if they would like an experimentally procedure? I feel that yes- humans can use animals’ organs transported into them for medical research! We have come along ways on our research of organs transplants between animals; but of course the monkey is similar to humans but it is not exactly like it.
Old Man By The Sea Essay Research
Paper “The great DiMaggio is himself again!”(21), in Ernest Hemingway’s novel, The Old Man and the Sea, which takes place near Havana, Cuba in the Caribbean Sea, a very old, unlucky, fisherman sets out for the big catch. The great DiMaggio is seamed throughout the novel to symbolize the old man and his struggle to catch the big fish, yet also he poses as a role model for Santiago (the old man).
Nuclear Energy Essay Research Paper Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Energy Essay, Research Paper Nuclear Energy should be produced because it is an alternative to fossil fuel. Nuclear energy helps to conserve our national resources that we use as fuel such as coil, oil, and natural gas. Another pro of nuclear energy is that radiation that is given off by nuclear energy is mostly thought of a very dangerous thing but it can be used in positive ways too.
Vitamins Essay Research Paper Vitamins are a
Vitamins Essay, Research Paper Vitamins are a natural living compounds required in the diet humans eat for normal growth and maintenance of life. Vitamins function as “cofactors” in metabolisms of products in the body. Vitamins can’t replace food. Vitamins must be supplied in the diet or in the dietary supplement.
Osteoporosis Essay Research Paper OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is
Osteoporosis Essay, Research Paper Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a health ailment which causes bones to become so porous that they can break easily. Osteoporosis literally means ‘porous bones’. The bones in our skeleton are made of a thick outer shell and a strong inner mesh filled with collagen [protein], calcium salts and other minerals.
Athletic Injuries Essay Research Paper Athletes with
Athletic Injuries Essay, Research Paper Athletes with Stress Fractures A stress fracture is a painful and damaging injury that can alter an athlete s performance. Not only can stress fractures destroy the bone that has been injured, but it can also cause a long term damaging affect that can cause permanent harm to that bone.
Why Coral Reefs Need To Be Protected
And Conserved For Future Generations Essay, Research Paper Coral Reefs need to be preserved for many reasons. In this paper I will discuss a few of them. First of all, they houses a collection of diverse organisms, and contribute