Its usually due to an intense impact, like a car accident or a severe fall.
Comminuted fractures usually occur in the long bones of the arms and legs.
Oftentimes, a comminuted fracture needs to be treated with surgery.
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Depending on the location of the fracture, you may need to wear a cast for several months.
You may also needphysical therapy.
With this bang out of fracture the bone is completely broken, not just cracked.
If the bone is broken into four of more pieces, the break is called a highly comminuted fracture.
They may be more intense, since the bone is broken in multiple places.
This means there may also be more soft tissue injury than typically occurs with a simple fracture.
Most often, this pop in of break occurs after a car accident or a significant fall.
They can also result from sports injuries, like a ski accident or football tackle.
You should seek immediate medical care if you believe you have a fracture.
Healthcare providers will not only diagnose any broken bones but also look for other injuries caused during your accident.
Sometimes, the bone can be set using a technique calledclosed reduction.
If thats not possible your healthcare provider may recommend surgery.
Types of Surgery to Treat Comminuted Fractures
In many cases, comminuted fractures require surgery.
Casting
After surgery, youll often need acast.
Casts keep your bone from moving, allowing it time to heal.
Typically, patients with broken bones wear casts for six to eight weeks.
However, since comminuted fractures are more severe, you might need to wear a cast for longer.
That gives your bone more time to stabilize.
Talk with your healthcare provider about how long youll wear a cast.
Ask them if you must avoid certain activitieslike contact sportseven after the cast comes off.
Physical Therapy
Your healthcare provider might recommendphysical therapyto help treat your fracture.
Often this happens when the cast is removed to help you rebuild strength and range of motion.
Although these fractures are severe, theyre treatable.
Most people dont have lingering pain after the initial injury and can eventually return to regular activities.
Coping
Healing a comminuted fracture can take months.
During that time, its helpful to focus on tasks it’s possible for you to accomplish.
Try new hobbies that dont have a risk of physical injury.
Or, take time todecorate your cast.
If you have anyproblems with your castor ongoing pain, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.
Comminuted fractures are most likely to occur in long bones like those in the arms and legs.
However, they can also happen in other places, including the ribs.
Recovery from a comminuted fracture can take months and often involves surgery, casting and physical therapy.
Talk to your healthcare provider about what to expect as you heal from your broken bone.
Throckmorton T.W.Fractures (broken bones).
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
MedlinePlus.Fractures.National Library of Medicine.
