Even though bones heal
naturally, medical guidance is
necessary. "Most patients need
some type of treatment to make
sure their bones are properly
aligned while they heal," says
Nicholas Sama, MD, an
orthopedic surgeon specializing in
trauma and fracture management.
"It's important for any patient
who sustains a fracture to see
an orthopedic surgeon who can
evaluate his or her condition and
recommend the most appropriate
care."
Casts, slings and splints are
often used to treat simple and
stable breaks in bones that
haven't moved out of place
and aren't likely to do so.
Immobilization techniques such as casts aren't the treatment
of choice for all fractures, however. Surgery may be the best
option when the fractured bones are unstable or not aligned,
the bones have protruded from the skin or the patient is at
risk of bed sores or infection while the bone heals due to
sedentary lifestyle.
"During surgery, we reposition the bones and, if necessary,
use metal rods, plates and screws to keep them in place,"
Dr. Sama says. "We use minimally invasive techniques
whenever possible to avoid damage to the healthy bones,
tendons, ligaments, muscles and cartilage. Since surgery
often eliminates the need for casts and other immobilization
techniques, patients can move more naturally after treatment
because their broken bones are held securely in place."
Treatment options will vary depending on the location and
severity of the fracture as well as the age and overall health of
the patient. Your orthopedic surgeon will determine the best
method of treating your break to ensure the best possible result.
Reduce Your Risk of Fractures
Get Expert Help for Broken Bones
Accidents, sports injuries and
falls are all types of trauma
that can place more pressure
on the bones than they can tolerate,
which may result in fractures
(breaks in the bone). Fortunately,
bones are one of the few structures
in the body that heal naturally with
normal tissue. In fact, once broken
bones heal -- typically in six to
eight weeks -- they usually are just
as strong and functional as they
were before the break.
You can help reduce your risk of fractures by keeping your
bones healthy. Try these tips to help strengthen and maintain
your bones:
Nicholas Sama, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic
surgeon with fellowship training/specialization in
trauma surgery (fracture care) and adult reconstructive
surgery. He is a partner of the Center for Bone and
Joint Surgery of the Palm Beaches with offices on State
Road 7/441 in Royal Palm Beach and in Boynton Beach.
To make an appointment with Dr. Sama, please call
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Wellington Regional Medical Center, 10101 Forest Hill Blvd. Wellington, FL 33414 (561) 798-8500 |
