05 Sep What Is the Treatment Process for Broken Bones in an Urgent Care?
When an injury occurs, knowing where to seek appropriate medical attention is key for getting prompt care. For suspected broken bone injuries, which are not life-threatening but require prompt care, an orthopedic urgent care clinic can be an effective option. These specialized facilities are equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries, including fractures. Here’s information on getting urgent care for broken bones:
Causes of Broken Bones and Fractures
A broken bone, or fracture, happens when a force exerted against a bone is stronger than the bone can bear. This can result from a variety of incidents, necessitating urgent care for broken bones. Common causes include falls from a height, direct blows, traumatic events like car accidents, or repetitive stress from activities like running, which can lead to stress fractures.
Conditions that weaken bones, like osteoporosis, can also make a person more susceptible to fractures from minor falls or everyday movements. While symptoms can vary depending on severity and location of a break, there are several indicators. Some common symptoms may include:
- Intense pain at the site of the injury, which often worsens with movement or pressure.
- Swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the injured area.
- A visible deformity, like a limb appearing out of place or bent at an unnatural angle.
- Difficulty or inability to move the affected limb or bear weight on it.
- Odd sounds at the moment of injury, like snapping or grinding.
Diagnosis of Breaks and Fractures
Accurate diagnosis is fundamental to developing a treatment plan. When you visit an urgent care center for a suspected fracture, the medical team will begin with a physical examination. They will assess the injured area, check for the range of motion, and ask questions about how the injury happened and the symptoms you are experiencing.
To confirm the presence of a fracture and determine its specific type and location, imaging tests are necessary. The most common diagnostic tool is an X-ray, which provides clear images of bones and can reveal most fractures. For extensive damage, your provider might recommend further imaging tests, like a CT scan or MRI. These imaging methods provide detailed images necessary to assess damage to surrounding tissues or to diagnose more complex fractures.
Treatments of Breaks and Fractures
The goal of treatment is to realign the broken bone fragments and immobilize the area to allow for proper healing. Your specific treatment approach depends on the severity and location of the fracture. For many common, non-displaced fractures where the bone pieces remain aligned, the process is straightforward. A medical provider will apply a cast, splint, or brace to keep the bone stable. This immobilization protects the bone from further injury, helping it heal in the correct position.
Closed Reduction Procedure
If the bone fragments are out of alignment (a displaced fracture), a procedure called a reduction may be necessary. During a closed reduction, a provider will manually manipulate the bone back into its proper position without making a surgical incision. After the reduction, the limb is immobilized with a cast or splint.
Open Reduction Surgery
For more severe or complex fractures, surgical intervention may be required. An open reduction surgery involves internal fixation techniques to reposition bones using rods, pins, and wires. Your urgent care provider may facilitate a referral to an orthopedic surgeon, depending on the orthopedic urgent care clinic. Some other surgical techniques used for bone fracture surgeries are:
- Arthroplasty
- Bone Grafting
- External Fixation
Seek an Urgent Care for Broken Bones
If you suspect you have a broken bone, seeking a timely medical evaluation is key for proper realignment and healing. Orthopedic urgent care centers offer specialized care for fractures and other musculoskeletal injuries without long wait times. They have the diagnostic tools and expertise to assess your injury and start the appropriate treatment. Contact an orthopedic urgent care center today.
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