Long Bone Fractures

What are Long Bone Fractures?

A bone fracture is a break in a bone's continuity. A high force impact or stress causes a significant proportion of bone fractures. The most commonly fractured bones in the human body are the long bones, which include:

• The femur (thigh)
• Tibia (medial shin bone)
• Humerus (upper arm).

A broken hip or femur is one of the most severe fall injuries, leading to disability and death. Tibia fractures are common, but unanticipated trauma causes painful and prolonged recovery, frequently accompanied by complications. Plate fixation, external fixation, and intramedullary nailing are currently used in the surgical treatment of long bone fractures.

Who performs Long Bone Fractures Surgery?

Orthopedists, also called orthopedic surgeons, are the specialists that usually perform long bone fractures surgery.

Types of Long Bone Fractures Surgery

• Open reduction and internal fixation- This is a surgical procedure to repair the fracture. Metal rods, screws, or plates are typically used to repair the bone and remain in place under the skin after surgery.
• Open reduction and external fixation- This is a surgery to repair the fracture and place an external fixation device on the fractured limb. This device is an external frame that supports the bone and keeps it in place while it heals.

Preparations before Long Bone Fractures Surgery

It is vital to prepare for the surgery appropriately.

• Tell your doctor about your medical history, including any chronic illnesses or previous surgeries.
• Inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking or are allergic to, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements.
• Your doctor may also request imaging tests to determine exactly where the bone has broken. X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans are some examples.
• Your doctor will most likely advise you not to eat anything after midnight the day before your procedure.
• You should arrange for someone to drive you to the hospital or surgery center and pick you up after your procedure.

How long does Long Bone Fractures Surgery take?

Surgery to repair a bone fracture can take several hours. You may be given general anesthesia to put you to sleep during the procedure, or you may be given local anesthesia to numb only the broken limb.

Risks Associated with Long Bone Fractures

Outcomes and complication rates after long-bone fracture treatment are not well established and depend on various factors, including fracture type, patient comorbidities, and surgical approach. While bone fractures usually heal well with proper treatment, complications can occur, such as:

• Disruption of bone growth: If a childhood bone fracture is disrupted during healing, the normal development of that bone may be affected. This increases the likelihood of future bone deformity.
• Infection of the bone or bone marrow: Bacteria can enter a compound fracture through a skin break and infect the bone or bone marrow. This can lead to long-term infection.
• Healing in the wrong position: A fracture may heal in the wrong position, or the bones may shift during the healing process, causing the bone to recover in the wrong position