Limb fractures are breaks in the bones of the arm, forearm, hand, thigh, leg or foot. They range from a simple crack to a displaced or open fracture, and the surgeon decides the right treatment after examination and X-rays.
Note: If you suspect a fracture, keep the limb still, do not move it unnecessarily and do not try to straighten it yourself. Seek urgent care if there is an open wound, clear deformity or numbness.
Symptoms
- Severe pain at the site that worsens with movement
- Swelling and bruising
- Deformity or a change in the shape of the limb
- Being unable to use the limb or put weight on it
- A crack or pop heard or felt at the time of injury
- Numbness or coldness in the fingers or toes, or an open wound
Causes
- A fall from a height or onto a hard surface
- Road traffic accidents
- Sports injuries and collisions
- A direct blow to the limb
- Weak bones, such as osteoporosis, where a fracture can follow a minor injury
- Repeated stress, which can cause tiny cracks in the bone
Diagnosis
The doctor asks how the injury happened and examines the limb, including feeling and circulation in the fingers or toes. X-rays are requested to show whether there is a fracture, its type and location, and a CT or MRI scan may be needed in some cases.
The pattern of the fracture, how stable it is and the condition of the skin and nerves around the bone shape the treatment plan.
Treatment options
Non-surgical treatment
As general first aid: keep the limb still in the position you found it, do not move it unnecessarily, apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth, raise it if this causes no pain, and seek medical care. Do not try to put the bone back yourself.
Many fractures are treated without surgery when they are stable and in an acceptable position.
- A splint or cast to hold the bone while it heals
- Rest and avoiding weight on the limb
- Follow-up X-rays to check the bone position
- Pain relief as prescribed by the doctor
- Physiotherapy after the fracture has healed
Surgical treatment
Surgery may be needed if the fracture is displaced, unstable or open, involves a joint, or has not healed in a suitable position. The surgeon fixes the bone using methods such as plates and screws or rods inside the bone, choosing what suits the type of fracture. For fractures near joints, see joint fractures.
Recovery and rehabilitation
Recovery time varies from person to person and by the type of fracture, and is set by the surgeon after assessment. Follow the instructions for your cast or fixation, and keep up your follow-up visits.
- Protecting the limb and keeping to the support
- Controlling pain and swelling
- Moving nearby joints as the doctor allows
- Gradually restoring movement
- Strengthening the muscles and returning to activities step by step
When to see the doctor
Seek urgent medical care if:
- There is an open wound or bone showing through the skin
- The limb looks clearly deformed
- There is numbness, paleness or coldness in the fingers or toes
- The pain is severe or you cannot move the limb
- The injury followed a serious accident
- Pain or swelling gets worse while in a cast