Fracture Care at Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute

Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute specializes in providing comprehensive fracture care for patients of all ages. Our experienced team of orthopedic specialists is equipped to handle a wide range of fractures, from simple breaks to complex and severe injuries. We offer both surgical and non-surgical treatments, utilizing state-of-the-art techniques and technologies to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. We aim to promote healing, restore mobility, and help you return to your daily activities as quickly and safely as possible.

What is a Fracture?

A fracture is a break or crack in a bone that occurs when subjected to more force than it can withstand. Fractures can range from small cracks, known as stress fractures, to complete breaks. The severity and type of fracture will determine the appropriate treatment plan, which may involve immobilization, realignment, or surgery.

Fractures are commonly caused by trauma, such as falls, sports injuries, or accidents. They can also result from underlying medical conditions that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis. At Motion, we treat fractures of the upper extremities, lower extremities, and spine, providing individualized care based on the location and complexity of the injury.

Types of Fractures We Treat

There are many types of fractures, each requiring a specific approach to treatment. At Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, we offer expert care for the following types of fractures:

• Simple (Closed) Fractures: In a simple fracture, the bone breaks but does not pierce the skin. These fractures are often treated with immobilization using a cast or brace.
• Compound (Open) Fractures: A compound fracture occurs when the broken bone punctures the skin, increasing the risk of infection. These fractures typically require surgery to clean the wound and stabilize the bone.
• Comminuted Fractures: This type of fracture involves broken bone into three or more pieces. It often requires surgical intervention to realign the bone fragments.
• Greenstick Fractures: Common in children, a greenstick fracture occurs when the bone bends and cracks but does not break completely. To allow proper healing, these fractures may be treated with a cast or splint.
• Stress Fractures: These are small cracks in the bone caused by repetitive force or overuse, often seen in athletes. Treatment typically involves rest, immobilization, and activity modification.
• Spiral Fractures: This type of fracture occurs when a twisting force is applied to the bone, causing it to break in a spiral pattern. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve casting or surgery.
• Compression Fractures: In most cases in the spine, compression fractures occur when the vertebrae collapse, often due to osteoporosis. These fractures may require non-surgical treatments, such as bracing, and surgical options like vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty.

Fracture Diagnosis

Accurately diagnosing a fracture is the first step in developing an effective treatment plan. At Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, we use advanced diagnostic tools to assess the type and severity of the fracture, including:

• X-rays: X-rays are the most common imaging tool used to diagnose fractures. They provide a clear image of the bone and help determine the break’s location, type, and extent.
• CT Scans: For more complex fractures, such as those involving multiple bone fragments or joints, a CT scan may be necessary to provide a detailed view of the bone structure.
• MRI Scans: While less commonly used for diagnosing fractures, MRI scans can help identify stress fractures or assess soft tissue damage around the injury.

Once a diagnosis is made, our orthopedic specialists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Non-Surgical Fracture Care

Not all fractures require surgery. In many cases, non-surgical treatments can effectively promote healing and restore function. At Motion, we offer a variety of non-surgical fracture care options, including:

• Casting and Splinting: For many fractures, immobilization with a cast or splint is sufficient to allow the bone to heal correctly. Casting holds the broken bone in place, preventing movement and ensuring proper alignment during healing.
• Bracing: In some cases, particularly for spine fractures or certain types of stress fractures, a brace may be used to provide support and immobilization while the bone heals.
• Functional Bracing: We may use functional bracing for some fractures, especially those of the upper extremities. This allows some degree of movement while still providing the necessary support for healing, helping to maintain muscle strength and flexibility during recovery.
• Pain Management: Pain is a common concern for patients with fractures. Our team will develop a pain management plan that may include medications and other non-invasive treatments to help manage discomfort during healing.

Surgical Fracture Care

In cases where the fracture is severe or does not heal appropriately with non-surgical treatments, surgery may be required to realign and stabilize the bone. At Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, we specialize in a variety of surgical techniques for fracture care, including:

• Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision to realign the broken bone fragments. The bone is then stabilized using metal rods, plates, or screws. ORIF is commonly used for complex fractures, such as comminuted fractures or fractures that affect the joints.
• External Fixation: This method involves placing metal pins or screws into the bone on either side of the fracture. The pins are then connected to an external frame, which holds the bone in place while it heals. External fixation is often used for severe fractures or fractures with extensive soft tissue damage.
• Intramedullary Nailing: For fractures of long bones, such as the femur or tibia, an intramedullary nail (a metal rod) can be inserted into the bone’s marrow canal to stabilize the fracture. This technique is less invasive than traditional open surgery and allows quicker recovery.
• Bone Grafting: In cases where the bone has been severely damaged, or there is a significant gap between bone fragments, bone grafting may be required. This involves transplanting bone tissue from another part of the body or using synthetic bone material to help the bone heal and grow.

The Healing Process

Healing from a fracture can take several weeks to several months, depending on the type and severity of the injury. Following your treatment plan and attending all follow-up appointments is important to ensure the bone is healing correctly. The typical healing process includes:

• Initial Healing: In the first few weeks after a fracture, the body forms a soft callus around the broken bone. This callus gradually hardens as new bone tissue forms.
• Bone Remodeling: After the bone has healed enough to bear weight, it undergoes remodeling, in which the bone continues to strengthen and reshape itself to resemble its original structure.
• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy is often an essential part of the recovery process. Our in-house physical therapists will work with you to improve the affected area’s strength, flexibility, and mobility. This helps prevent stiffness, muscle atrophy, and other complications during healing.

Why Choose Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute for Fracture Care?

At Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, we are committed to providing the highest level of care for patients with fractures. Here’s why patients choose us for their fracture care:

• Experienced Orthopedic Specialists: Our team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons and specialists has extensive experience treating all types of fractures, from simple breaks to complex, multi-fragment injuries.
• Comprehensive Care: We offer a full range of fracture care services, from initial diagnosis to surgery and rehabilitation. Our goal is to provide seamless care throughout every stage of your recovery.
• Advanced Surgical Techniques: We use the latest surgical techniques and technologies to ensure the best possible outcomes when surgery