There are many types of bone fractures and breaks. Damage results for different reasons in a variety of ways. It may be unclear when to go to seek emergency room treatment for broken bones. When in doubt, ask a professional. Some fractures can wait to be examined by your doctor or an urgent care. But, if you can see the fractured bone protruding through the skin, or if your limb is misaligned or mangled due to trauma don’t hesitate to get to the nearest ER or call 911.
Bone Fractures That Need Emergency Care
A bone fracture is basically a break in the cartilage or bone that results from force, trauma, or a disease such as osteoporosis or a congenital defect. These conditions cause brittle bones that can be easily damaged.
Regardless of the cause, all bone fractures fall into one of two categories:
- The compound or open fractures penetrate the skin and expose underlying tissues and bone.
- Simple fractures do not break through the skin and are sometimes hard to diagnose without digital imaging devices.
These two categories are broken down even more into different types of fractures, including:
- Transverse fractures affect the bone in the long axis and result from a hard force applied from a right angle.
- Spiral fractures are caused by aggressive twisting of the bone.
- Oblique fractures occur when trauma is received any other angle besides a right angle.
- Greenstick fractures are seen only in children. Young bones are the most flexible and sometimes break partially or on one side.
- Comminuted fractures are several breaks in the same bone.
- Avulsion fractures happen when extreme force is put on a ligament or tendon. A small portion of bone is ripped away.
Emergency Room Treatment for Broken Bones
The treatment course the physician takes depends on the severity of the break. Medical care also varies according to different ER facilities. General treatment options for bone fractures that need emergency care include:
- Bone Alignment
- Splints
- Casts
- Surgery
- Pain Medication
It is common for patients to undergo physical therapy following emergency room treatment for broken.
I’m Not Sure It’s Broken
Until your injury is examined by a medical professional, you may not know for sure that the bone is broken. Only a compound fracture is clearly visible. Simple fractures are not so obvious. Symptoms of hidden breaks include:
- Heavy bleeding
- Numbness at the site of trauma or surrounding area
- Bruising or swelling
- Misalignment or deformity
- Protruding bone
All these symptoms require immediate medical assistance. If a ride to the ER is not available, don’t hesitate to call 911.
When Not to Go to The Emergency Room
If you haven’t experienced any of these symptoms, you may consider visiting an urgent care clinic or calling your family doctor. Urgent care may not have access to CT scan or x-rays, but they can treat pain and provide crutches, boots, braces or other supports for unstable bones.
Ask a Professional
When in doubt, ask a professional. Call your local emergency room and discuss your symptoms with a skilled nurse or doctor; they can answer any questions you may have and point you in the right direction.