Causes of Joint Fractures
1.Trauma and Accidents: Severe trauma, such as car accidents, falls from height, and sports injuries, can lead to joint fractures. The forces on the joint during these events can exceed the strength of the bones and cause fractures.
2.Direct Blow: A direct blow to a joint, whether from a fall or blunt trauma, can cause fractures. For example, a direct impact to the knee from a fall or a collision during sports can result in a fracture of the knee joint.
3.Torsional Forces: Sudden or excessive twisting of a joint can lead to fractures, especially when combined with other forces. This often occurs during sporting activities that involve rapid changes of direction or awkward landings.
4.Repetitive Stress: Repetitive stress and overuse of joints, especially weight-bearing joints such as knees and hips, can lead to stress fractures over time. It is more common in athletes and individuals who perform high-impact, repetitive activities.
5.Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by weak and brittle bones, increasing the risk of fractures in weight-bearing joints. When bone density decreases, bones become more susceptible to fractures, even with minimal trauma.
6.Age-related changes: Aging can change bone density and joint structure, making older people more susceptible to fractures, especially in weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees.
7.Bone Diseases: Diseases that affect the strength and structure of bones, such as: B. Osteogenesis imperfecta or Paget’s disease can increase the risk of joint fractures.
8.Tumors and Lesions: Benign or malignant tumors that affect bones or joints can weaken the structural integrity of the joint and make it more susceptible to fracture.
9.Congenital Diseases: Some congenital or genetic disorders can affect the development and strength of bones and increase the risk of fractures, including those affecting joints.
10.Joint Dislocation: A dislocation in which the bones within a joint are forced out of their normal position can lead to a fracture. The dislocation itself puts a lot of stress on the bone and can cause a fracture.
11.Sports Injuries: Participating in certain sports, especially those that involve high levels of impact or contact, can increase your risk of joint fractures. These include activities such as soccer, basketball, and skiing.
12.Falls: Falls, especially in older adults, can cause fractures in joints, especially weight-bearing joints such as the hips and wrists.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Joint Fracture
The doctor asks what led to the person’s fracture. A physical exam is then performed to make the diagnosis. X-rays and sometimes an MRI or CT scan are often ordered to fully evaluate the fracture.
Bone healing is, in most cases, a natural process that occurs naturally. Therefore, treatment usually focuses on providing the best possible healing conditions for the injured bone and ensuring optimal future function.
To begin the natural healing process, the doctor reduces the fracture. The ends of the broken bone align. For small fractures, doctors can accomplish this by externally manipulating the affected area. However, in some cases, surgery may be necessary.
Once the doctor has aligned the fracture, he or she will make sure that the fracture remains in place. Methods of doing this include:
- Plaster casts or braces
- Metal plates and screws
- Intramedullary nails or rods placed in the bone cavity
- Fractures heal, depending on their severity. This may take several weeks to several months. The duration depends on which bones are affected and whether there are complications such as impaired circulation or infection.