What is Complex Fracture? Causes and Treatment

What is Complex Fracture? Causes and Treatment

When we think of a fracture, most of us think of it as a simple break in the bone that heals with a cast and downtime. But the analogy doesn’t cover all fractures. Others, however, are far more serious and require immediate medical treatment. One such injury is referred to as a complex fracture.

What is complex fracture?

A complex fracture isn’t just a simple fracture; it’s a serious injury in which a bone shatters into multiple pieces or is so misaligned that it harms surrounding tissues, muscles, nerves, or even punctures the skin. The most common mechanism of these fractures is high-energy trauma, like motor vehicle collisions, high falls, and sport trauma.

Complex fractures are not only painful but also difficult to care for, in contrast to a simple fracture. These can cause swelling, shock-level pain, deformity you can see, and even open wounds. With an open fracture (where the bone pierces the skin), there is also a higher risk of infection, and it will take longer for the injury to heal because the damage is more severe. Thus, it is more important to consult with a Complex Fracture Clinic in Jaipur for early diagnosis and treatment.

In this blog, we will discuss in more detail the causes of complex fractures and their treatment.

Causes of complex fractures

1. High-Impact Accidents

This is one of the most frequent reasons that requires a complex fracture doctor in Jaipur. The bones may break very badly if they are hit with a strong and sudden force on the body. Examples: car or bike accidents, falling from a height (such as a flight of stairs or a building), sports accidents (soccer, skiing, etc.)

2. Severe Falls

A severe fall, particularly in elderly or young patients, could result in a complex fracture, like slipping in the bathroom, falling off a ladder or bed, etc.

3. Bone Weakness (Osteoporosis)

If a person has fragility, it is caused by diseases like osteoporosis. It affects primarily women or older people.

4. Excessive Wear and Tear on the Bones (Stress Fractures)

Repeating a movement or activity over and over (such as running or jumping) can put stress on bones over time. Examples: Athletes who train too hard

5. Direct Blow or Trauma

A direct blow or high impact on a particular bone that crushes, like being hit by a heavy object, physical fights, etc.

6. Infections or Bone Diseases:

Some conditions that cause the bone structure to be weak further cause bone infection, cancer, or tumors.

7. History of operations or implants

If a person has previously had surgery or has implants, the region may be weakened, which can lead to a future injury. Moreover, if a person had a previous fracture that healed incorrectly, the area of that break will become weaker.

8. Insufficient calcium/vitamin D

Calcium and vitamin D help keep our bones strong and healthy. The lack of these vital nutrients makes the bones fragile, causing them to break easily.

Treatment of complex fractures

The Joint Replacement Clinic in Jaipur offers both surgical and non-surgical treatment. It depends on the severity of the fracture.
Non-surgical treatment of complex fractures:

  • If it is not severe, then it can be treated with braces, casts, and splints.
  • Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications
  • Rest, ice packs, and therapies.
  • Surgical treatment of complex fractures

If it is severe, then a joint replacement surgeon in Jaipur will opt for surgical treatment, which includes

  • Open Reduction and Internal Fixation: These broken bones are put back in the right position by using metal plates, screws, and rods. It is best for fractures with many pieces or displaced bones.
  • External Fixation: In this, metal pins or wires attach to the bones. It is best for open wounds, infected areas, or unstable bones.
  • Bone Grafting: In this, a piece of bone is taken from other parts of the body, like the hip, or it can also be taken from a donor. This is used when there is bone loss or a gap that cannot heal itself. This treatment helps in bone growth.
  • Minimally invasive surgery: In this, a small cut is made to fix the bones. It helps in repairing joints and removing damaged tissue. Recovery is faster, there is a lower risk of infection, hospital stays, etc.
Final thoughts

Understanding what is complex fracture helps you to seek immediate medical attention, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment. Whether you have any accidents or even some small strains, don’t ignore them. Visit a trusted Joint Replacement Clinic in Jaipur to ensure timely treatment. Early medical care helps you get the best results from a complex fracture.