This overview is a sample of the type of information available to you at Griffin Hospital's Community Health Resource Center. It is not intended to replace your physician's instructions in the management of your health problems, but to better inform you about a particular illness and alert you to the availability of other materials. If you have a question about any piece of information presented in theses fact sheets, please call your physician, or stop by the Community Health Resource Center at your convenience.
FRACTURES
Sometimes surgery is needed to repair a fracture (broken bone). If an incision is made in the skin and the bones are fixed into place using orthopedic (bone) hardware, this is known as open reduction, internal fixation (ORIF).
The time it takes for a fracture to heal varies. Children heal much faster than adults. As we grow older, our bones lose their thickness (density) and become weaker. Unfortunately, the elderly are especially prone to fractures. Their bones become more fragile with age and the tendency to fall also increases..
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE?
A bone will begin to heal also most as soon as it is broken. If the ends of the broken bone are not aligned in an acceptable fashion,the bone will not heal correctly. This acceptable alignment is different for different farctures, and your doctor will discuss this with you.
There are two distinct types of fractures: closed, where the ends of the broken bone stay underneath the skin; and open, where one or both ends of the broken bone are pushed through the skin. This type of fracture causes more damage to the surrounding area. Metal pins, nails, screws, wires, plates, or rods may be used to hold the bones together (internal fixation) so they can heal correctly. Surgery is usually performed as soon as possible.
WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE SURGERY
An x-ray will be taken to confirm the fracture and to see where the broken pieces of bone are located. An intravenous line (IV) will be placed in an vein so you can receive fluids and medications. You will not be able to eat or drink anything before surgery. An empty stomach will lessen the chance of nausea and vomiting after surgery. An anesthesiologist will discuss the anesthesia with you prior to surgery. You'll receive either a general anesthetic which will put you to sleep for the operation, or a local anesthetic where you'll be awake for the operation but won't be able to feel anything at the site of where your surgery is taking place.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING SURGERY
An incision will be made in the skin after the anesthesia has been given. Your orthopedic surgeon will place the hardware (nails, pins, plates, screws) to align your fractured bones. The incision will be closed. A cast will be applied keep the break from moving while the bones heal.
After surgery, you'll wake up in the recovery room where you'll stay for about one hour. You'll feel groggy and uncomfortable from your surgery. You will be given pain medication to help you feel more comfortable. The nurse will check the circulation in your leg or toes or fingers, depending on which bone has been broken and repaired. If a cast has been applied to keep your arm or leg from moving, you need to let the nurse know if it feels too tight or if your toes or fingers become cool and start tingling. Sometimes the arm or leg can swell under the cast making blood circulation difficult. If this happens, the cast may be made larger. Frequently splints are used initially in place of casts so they can accommodate the swelling.
You'll usually spend several days in the hospital after your surgery. During this time you will work with a physical therapist to learn how to walk with crutches if you need them. Antibiotics will also be given, probably in your IV, to help prevent infection.
COPING
Your age and the severity of your fracture will determine how long it takes your leg to heal. Your physician will watch your healing progress closely. If your leg has been repaired, you may use crutches until your doctor feels your bones can bear the weight of walking. This may be a gradual process.
Your doctor may ask you to elevate your broken arm or leg when you are sitting. This will help decrease the swelling. The pain and discomfort of your surgery should lessen as time passes. Signs and symptoms of excessive and potentially dangerous swelling are numbness, tingling, paparlysis and pain not relieved by elevation and medication.
You may feel frustrated while your break is healing because your daily tasks are more difficult or time consuming to do. Having someone to talk to, a friend or family member, can help ease some of your burden.
If you need further information, talk to your physician, nurse or any other healthcare provider.
Please note that this information is intended to give you a general overview of the topic. It is not intended to replace advice or instruction of a health professional. We recommend that you consult your physician, nurse, or qualified health professional regarding the information in this publication. © 1994 Planetree, Inc. Reproduction of this material in any form is limited to license agreement.
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