The orthopedic surgeons at Orthopedic Specialists have been performing orthopedic surgery, such as fracture repair, for over a decade. Your procedure will be performed by a team whose experience is virtually
unmatched in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and throughout the Midwest.
Commonly referred to as a “broken bone,” a fracture can occur just about anywhere on the body. It can range from a hairline fracture, which is practically unnoticeable, to a compound fracture, which is life-threatening due to the danger of infection or blood loss. Simply put, a bone breaks when the force exerted upon it is stronger than the bone itself. This typically occurs due to trauma but can be exacerbated by age and/or disease (such as osteoporosis).
The type of break is dependent on its features:
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Displaced fracture — the bone breaks into two or more parts causing the bone to no longer line up correctly.
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Non-displaced fracture — the bone breaks but is still lined up correctly.
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Closed fracture — the bone breaks (either displaced or non-displaced) but does not break the skin.
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Open fracture — the bone breaks and one or more sections of the broken bone pierces the skin. This is sometimes called a compound fracture and is the most dangerous type due to an increased risk of infection.
Our orthopedic doctors offer nonsurgical and surgical fracture repair, depending on the break in question. Recovery can range from a few weeks to many months, depending on the severity of the original trauma. Regardless of the approach, the goal is to line up the various parts of the broken bone and hold them in place so they can heal. This can be done with a simple external cast or with the surgical insertion of pins, screws, and other devices.
If the break requires surgery, as with any surgical intervention, the patient typically has to undergo a recuperation process involving follow-up care and physical therapy.
To learn more about what to expect when you undergo fracture care, please visit our Surgery Preparation/Recovery page.
Trust our orthopedic surgeons to provide the highest quality care for fractures. Contact us today for more information on treatment options or to schedule an appointment.
