Emergency Room for Fractures and Dislocations Care

When a bone breaks, it’s called a fracture. Fractures can be minor or severe, depending on the amount of force that caused the break. A fracture happens when the force applied to a bone is stronger than the bone itself. There are 4 main types of fractures:

1. Stress fractures: These are tiny cracks that develop in a bone over time.
2. Closed fractures: The bone breaks or cracks without breaking the skin.
3. Open or compound fractures: The bone breaks through the skin.
4. Comminuted fractures: The bone breaks into multiple pieces.

A dislocation is a different kind of injury that happens when a bone in a joint gets forced out of place. This makes the joint unable to move and can cause swelling and deformity. Dislocations often happen in the shoulders, elbows, fingers, hips, knees, and ankles. There are 5 main types of dislocations:

1. Subluxation: A partial or incomplete dislocation of a joint.
2. Anterior Dislocation: Occurs when the affected joint is thrust forward out of the socket toward the front of the body.
3. Posterior Dislocation: Takes place when the affected joint is pushed backward out of the socket toward the rear of the body.
4. Inferior Dislocation: Involves the affected joint being compelled downward out of the socket toward the lower part of the body.
5. Superior Dislocation: Involves the affected joint being pushed upward out of the socket toward the upper part of the body.

While some medical conditions might not get worse if treatment is delayed, fractures and dislocations are not among them. Start by getting a proper diagnosis to understand the injury. Seek medical help promptly to ensure the right treatment plan for speedy recovery.

Almost any joint in your body, including ankles, knees, shoulders, hips, elbows, and even finger and toe joints, can experience dislocation. Fractures can result from various causes, such as falls, accidents, direct blows, repetitive stress, or underlying medical conditions like Osteoporosis. Participating in sports or having a profession involving repetitive tasks (e.g., painting or lifting) may increase the risk of fractures and dislocations. If you feel severe pain, notice visible bruising, swelling, or experience symptoms like difficulty moving the affected area, seek immediate attention at a Surepoint ER near you.

Dealing with broken bones and dislocated joints can be incredibly painful. While our bones are sturdy, they have limits, and excessive force can lead to fractures or dislocations. If you think you might have a fracture or dislocation, it’s important to get medical care fast. A medical professional needs to identify the exact cause of your pain using X-rays and imaging before starting treatment. These diagnostic tools help them pinpoint fractures and other injuries. For fractures, the treatment may involve a splint, brace, or cast to stabilize the broken bone while it heals. In the case of a dislocation, your doctor may recommend medications, a sling or splint, repositioning the bone, and possibly rehabilitation. It’s important never to attempt to pop the dislocated joint back into place on your own. When deciding whether to visit the emergency room for a suspected fracture or dislocation, consider these factors:

Severity of The Injury:

• If you have a severe injury, that is causing extreme pain, swelling, or difficulty breathing, you should go to the ER immediately.

Location of The Injury:

• If the injury is located in a critical area, such as the head, neck, spine, or pelvis, it’s best to go to the ER.

Age and Health Status:

• If you are elderly or have a pre-existing medical condition, such as heart disease or diabetes, it’s important to consider the potential risks associated with delaying treatment. In such cases, it’s generally recommended to err on the side of caution and visit the ER.

Open Fractures or Wounds:

• If there’s an open fracture or wound with visible bone, seek immediate medical attention to prevent infection and minimize further damage.

Numbness or Tingling:

• If you experience numbness or tingling beyond the injury site, it may indicate nerve involvement, requiring prompt medical evaluation.

Instability and Loss of Function:

• In cases of joint dislocation or severe fractures that compromise stability and function, urgent medical attention is crucial to prevent complications.

If you have a bone sticking out of your skin or are experiencing loss of warmth beyond the injured area, or have any other severe fracture or dislocation symptoms, don’t wait, head to the closest Surepoint ER near you for fast and effective care.

When bones break or joints pop out of place, we use a mix of methods like keeping things still, medications, and physical therapy to help you heal. To determine the best fracture or dislocation treatment method, we start by taking X-rays and images to understand what’s going on beneath the skin. Common treatments for fractures and dislocations include:

• Immobilization with splints or casts
• Medication for pain management
• Physical therapy for strengthening and range of motion exercises
• Surgical intervention for complex fractures or dislocations
• Reduction of dislocations under sedation or anesthesia
• Lifestyle modifications to accommodate healing and prevent future injuries