What is a Fracture?
Bones are a living, resilient tissue. They connect through joints to form the human skeleton. Their specific architectural structure allows them to withstand significant loads. However, when the human skeleton experiences a force greater than it can endure, fractures occur.
Individuals with osteoporosis are more vulnerable to fractures, as any fall or applied pressure can exert excessive force on weakened bones.
The symptoms of a fracture depend on its location and severity and may include:
1. Pain and limited mobility in the affected limb
2. Localized swelling
3. Tenderness to pressure
4. Bruising
5. Deformity
6. Crepitus (grating sensation)
Fractures require immediate attention to prevent painful and distressing complications for the patient.
What Are the Main Goals of Fracture Management?
The primary objectives in treating fractures are:
i. Realignment of the bone to restore its axis and anatomy
ii. Fracture healing
iii. Adequate pain management
iv. Quick and secure immobilization of the bone to enable early mobilization of the patient
What Are the Treatment Methods for Fractures?
Fracture treatment depends on the type, severity, location, and overall health of the patient.
Today, modern minimally invasive techniques, such as intramedullary nailing, are commonly used. This technique involves a minimally invasive procedure with advanced materials, performed under fluoroscopic guidance. It is a closed technique, meaning there is no open surgical wound.
Advantages of Intramedullary Nailing
i. Small incisions
ii. Low risk of infection
iii. Shorter surgical duration
iv. Minimal bleeding, as the closed procedure avoids exposure of the wound
v. Immediate patient mobilization, with the possibility of walking as early as the next day
In recent years, trauma surgery has benefited from a wide range of materials and techniques, allowing for successful management of even the most complex fractures.
Our extensive knowledge, combined with advancements in trauma care, has significantly improved patient outcomes. Trauma care has progressed by understanding not only fracture management but also the impact of trauma on other body systems. It is essential for orthopedic surgeons to stay continuously informed in this ever-evolving field.
Following any surgical procedure, patients must adhere to a comprehensive rehabilitation program to facilitate a safe and speedy return to daily activities.
How Can We Prevent Fractures?
In many cases, fractures are unavoidable, as they can occur unexpectedly. For example, they may result from a sports injury, a fall, or excessive pressure on a body part. However, certain precautions can reduce the risk of a fracture is t wearing appropriate protective gear during sports activities and learning proper techniques to minimize injury in the event of a fall (e.g., correct hand or foot placement)
Individuals with osteoporosis, who are at a higher risk of fractures, should take extra precautions.
An orthopedic specialist can assess fracture risk and fall risk using tools such as FRAX or the Garvan Fracture Risk Calculator. These assessments, combined with bone density measurements and laboratory tests, help determine whether medical treatment is necessary. Additionally, the specialist can provide dietary recommendations, fall prevention strategies, and exercises to strengthen muscles and improve bone resilience.
Common sites of osteoporotic fractures are, hip, wrist, upper limbs (near the shoulders) and spine fractures. In these areas often cause pain, deformity, and loss of function.
Without proper awareness and early osteoporosis screening in postmenopausal women and men over 50, the economic, psychological, and social burden of fractures will continue to rise.
Our clinic is part of the Electronic Osteoporosis Clinic Network (Elecost) and provides standardized screening and monitoring for osteoporosis.
Accurate information on fracture prevention, along with the proper, personalized, and comprehensive treatment of each patient with a fracture, represents the doctor’s personal vision. From the very first moment she came into contact with orthopedics as a young surgeon, she wholeheartedly embraced and faithfully follows the philosophy of AO (a global network of surgeons dedicated to the treatment of trauma and musculoskeletal disorders): “Life is movement, and movement is life.”