Fractures and Breaks Care at Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute

Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute specializes in providing comprehensive care for fractures and breaks affecting the bones of the foot, ankle, and other areas of the body. Our experienced team of orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists is dedicated to delivering personalized treatment plans to ensure a full recovery, restore mobility, and alleviate pain. Whether you’ve experienced a minor fracture or a more complex break, we are here to guide you through every step of the healing process, from diagnosis to rehabilitation.

What Are Fractures and Breaks?

A fracture refers to any break in the continuity of a bone. This can range from a small crack to a complete break where the bone is divided into two or more pieces. Fractures can vary in severity, location, and complexity and may occur as a result of trauma, overuse, or underlying bone conditions such as osteoporosis.

There are several types of fractures, including:

• Stress Fractures: Small cracks in the bone typically develop due to repetitive stress or overuse. Stress fractures are common in athletes and individuals who engage in high-impact activities.
• Simple Fractures: A fracture where the bone is broken but remains aligned and does not break through the skin.
• Compound Fractures: A more severe type of fracture where the broken bone pierces through the skin, creating an open wound. This type of fracture carries a higher risk of infection.
• Comminuted Fractures: A fracture in which the bone is shattered into three or more pieces. Comminuted fractures often require surgical intervention for proper healing.
• Displaced Fractures: In displaced fractures, the broken bone segments have shifted out of alignment, which may require reduction (realigning the bones) and stabilization.
• Greenstick Fractures: Common in children, a greenstick fracture occurs when the bone bends and cracks on one side without breaking completely.

Fractures can affect any bone in the body. Still, at Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, we primarily focus on fractures of the foot, ankle, and lower extremities, which can significantly impact your ability to walk, stand, and perform daily activities.

Common Causes of Fractures and Breaks

Fractures can result from a variety of causes, including:

• Trauma or Injury: The most common cause of fractures is trauma, such as falls, car accidents, sports injuries, or direct blows to the bone. High-impact trauma can cause both simple and complex fractures.
• Overuse or Repetitive Stress: Stress fractures occur when bones are subjected to repetitive forces over time, which can cause small cracks to form. Athletes, runners, and individuals participating in high-impact sports are particularly prone to stress fractures in the feet and legs.
• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. People with osteoporosis may experience fractures from minor falls or simple activities like walking or bending.
• Bone Weakness: Certain medical conditions, such as bone tumors or infections, can weaken the bones and make them more likely to break.

Understanding the cause of your fracture is essential for developing an effective treatment plan. Our Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute specialists will assess your fracture and determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Symptoms of Fractures and Breaks

The symptoms of a fracture can vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:

• Pain: Sharp or intense pain at the site of the fracture is one of the most common symptoms. The pain may worsen with movement, pressure, or weight-bearing activities.
• Swelling and Bruising: The area around the fracture may become swollen, red, or bruised. Swelling can occur immediately after the injury or develop over time.
• Deformity: In some cases, the fractured bone may be visibly misaligned, creating a deformity in the affected area. This is especially common in displaced or compound fractures.
• Limited Mobility: Depending on the location of the fracture, you may experience difficulty moving the affected limb or joint. For example, a foot or ankle fracture may make walking impossible without significant pain.
• Tenderness and Sensitivity: The area around the fracture may be tender to the touch, and you may experience discomfort when applying pressure to the affected bone.
• Difficulty Bearing Weight: In the case of fractures in the lower extremities, such as the foot or ankle, you may find it difficult or impossible to bear weight on the injured limb.

If you suspect a fracture, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to ensuring proper healing and preventing complications.

Diagnosis of Fractures and Breaks

At Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, our specialists use various diagnostic tools to assess fractures and accurately develop individualized treatment plans. The diagnostic process typically includes:

• Physical Examination: Your doctor will examine the affected area for signs of deformity, swelling, bruising, and tenderness. They will also assess your range of motion and ability to bear weight on the affected limb.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays are the most common imaging tool used to diagnose fractures, as they provide a clear view of the bone structure and can reveal the location, severity, and type of fracture. In some cases, additional imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, may provide a more detailed view of soft tissues, cartilage, and ligaments around the fracture site.
• Bone Density Testing: For patients with osteoporosis or suspected bone weakness, bone density testing may be recommended to assess the strength of the bones and determine the risk of future fractures.

Once the fracture has been accurately diagnosed, our team will work with you to create a customized treatment plan designed to promote healing and restore function to the affected area.

Treatment Options for Fractures and Breaks

The treatment of fractures depends on the break’s type, location, and severity. At Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, we offer a wide range of non-surgical and surgical treatment options to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Non-Surgical Treatment for Fractures

For many fractures, non-surgical treatments effectively promote healing and restore mobility. Standard non-surgical treatment options include:

• Casting or Splinting: A cast or splint immobilizes the fractured bone, allowing it to heal in the correct position. Casts are typically made of fiberglass or plaster and provide a rigid structure to protect the bone during healing. Splints are used for less severe fractures and provide more flexibility while immobilizing the bone.
• Bracing: For certain types of fractures, such as stress fractures or stable breaks, a brace may support the bone and allow for limited movement while still providing stability.
• Rest and Activity Modification: Rest is a crucial component of the healing process for fractures. Depending on the location of the fracture, you may need to modify your activities and avoid putting weight on the affected limb. Crutches or a walker may be recommended for lower-extremity fractures.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications may be prescribed to manage discomfort during healing. Ice packs can also be used to reduce swelling and pain.
• Bone Stimulation: In some cases, bone stimulation devices that use low-level electrical currents or ultrasound waves may be recommended to promote faster fracture healing.

Surgical Treatment for Fractures

In severe, displaced, or multiple-fragment fractures, surgery may be necessary to realign and stabilize the bone. Our Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute orthopedic surgeons are highly skilled in performing minimally invasive and traditional surgical procedures to ensure the best possible outcome.

• Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): This surgical procedure is commonly used to treat displaced fractures. The surgeon makes an incision to access the broken bone and realign it into its proper position. Metal plates, screws, or rods may be used to hold the bone in place while it heals.
• External Fixation: In some cases, external fixation may stabilize the fracture. This involves placing pins or screws in the bone on either side of the break, which are then connected to an external frame to keep the bone aligned.
• Bone Grafting: To stimulate bone growth in fractures that involve bone loss or do not heal properly, bone grafting may be performed. The graft can be taken from another part of the patient’s body (autograft) or a donor (allograft).
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: When possible, we use minimally invasive techniques to reduce scarring, minimize recovery time, and promote faster healing. These techniques involve smaller incisions and less disruption to the surrounding tissues.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from a fracture can take several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the injury and the type of treatment used. At Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, we are committed to guiding you through every step of the recovery process to ensure the best possible outcome.

• Physical Therapy: Once the bone has healed, physical therapy is often recommended to help restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the affected area. Your physical therapist will guide you through exercises to improve muscle function and prevent stiffness or weakness.
• Gradual Return to Activity: Depending on the location of the fracture, you may need to avoid weight-bearing activities for several weeks. Your doctor will provide specific guidelines for returning to activities such as walking, running, or sports.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure the bone is healing correctly. X-rays or other imaging tests may be performed to assess the healing process.

Why Choose Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute for Fracture Care?

At Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care for patients with fractures and breaks. Our team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists has extensive experience diagnosing and treating all types of fractures, ensuring you receive the best possible outcome.

Here’s why patients choose us for fracture care:

• Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, we offer a full range of services to support your recovery and help you return to normal activities as quickly as possible.
• Experienced Specialists: Our team includes leading experts in orthopedic surgery and podiatry who specialize in treating foot, ankle, and lower extremity fractures.
• State-of-the-art technology: We use the latest imaging and surgical techniques to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments with minimal pain and downtime.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Every patient is unique, and we take a customized approach to your care, tailoring your treatment plan to meet your specific needs and goals.

If you’ve suffered a fracture or break, the Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our comprehensive fracture care services.