Fracture Care Specialist

What is a fracture?

A fracture is another word for a break in a bone. Whether the fracture is small and the bone is still in one piece, or the fracture is large enough to break the bone apart, Denver Metro Orthopedics, P.C. can provide the care you need.

Fractures share some of their symptoms with other injuries, like sprains and strains. When a fracture happens, it can result in:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Severe pain
• Bleeding if it breaks the skin
• Inability to move or lift the affected area

To confirm your fracture diagnosis and evaluate its severity, Dr. Schwappach asks for details about your injury and how it happened. He examines the bone using X-ray imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, or computed tomography (CT) scans.

What causes fractures?

Fractures often happen because of a direct impact on the bone. You can break a bone during:

• Impact sports
• Car accidents
• Slips and falls
• Assaults
• Work accidents

Because of the quick onset and the severity of symptoms, you probably know you have a severe injury right away when a fracture happens. 

Who can benefit from fracture care?

Fracture care is the treatment you need to manage the symptoms of a fracture and help it heal successfully. Denver Metro Orthopedics, P.C. offers fracture care for many of the most common bone fractures that affect the upper extremities, lower extremities, and pelvic region. 

You can benefit from fracture care if you have any of the following fracture types:

• Hip fracture
• Femoral neck fracture
• Intertrochanteric fracture
• Clavicle fracture
• Elbow fracture
• Radial head fracture
• Proximal humerus fracture
• Humeral shaft fracture
• Distal radius fracture
• Wrist fracture
• Hand and finger fractures
• Femoral shaft fracture
• Distal femur fracture
• Tibial plateau fracture
• Tibial shaft fracture
• Ankle fracture
• Jones fractures in the feet

Fractures like these, when severe, can affect nearby tissues too. Dr. Schwappach looks for damage to nearby ligaments, muscles, tendons, and nerves. 

What does fracture care involve?

The first line of fracture care involves nonsurgical methods that aim to promote healing and prevent further damage to the bone and nearby tissues. You must restrict movement of the bone, which might require the use of a splint or brace. You can also control some of the swelling and pain with heat, cold, and anti-inflammatory medications. 

If you need surgery, Dr. Schwappach plans it strategically using your X-rays or the results of other imaging tests. He may need to place wires, screws, pins, or plates to keep the bone together. Often, he can make these repairs using minimally invasive surgery to minimize scarring and potential complications. 

To find out more about fracture care and the surgeries that may be necessary, reserve an appointment by phone or book online at any Denver Metro Orthopedics, P.C. location today.