Displaced fracture treatment in NYC - Manhattan PT

Displaced fractures can be very painful and make you feel distressed. Accurate and immediate treatment can help you and your loved ones overcome this problem quickly. To experience the expected outcomes, you must consult experienced professionals in this sector. We, Manhattan Physical Therapy in Midtown Manhattan, NYC, offer proper care and accurate treatments to get you back on your feet.

Under the expert guidance of physical therapist Erica Cole, PT, DPT, and a dedicated team, we provide superior care that exceeds standard physical therapy. Along with having the experience of treating innumerable patients, we have also earned trust and positive feedback from our respected clients. Book your appointment today by calling (680)-208-3884.

Understanding Displaced Fracture

A displaced fracture occurs when broken bone pieces shift. It may cause severe pain, which can become unbearable. Before things get worse, quick care is needed to prevent complications and ensure proper healing. 

Causes

Displaced fractures are often caused by trauma from sports injuries, car accidents, or falls. Osteoporosis, which weakens bones, can also increase fracture risk from minor injuries. Prompt treatment is crucial to realign and stabilize the bone, which may involve casts or surgery. Proper care helps ensure effective healing and prevent long-term complications.

Symptoms

Severe pain at the break site, bruising, swelling, and immobility of the affected limb or region are signs of a displaced fracture. If there is a noticeable deformity, the bone may have displaced considerably. In addition, the patient may experience tenderness in the affected area and hear a grinding sound. Displaced fractures that go untreated can result in problems like poor healing, ongoing pain, or permanent impairment.

Categories 

• Transverse Fracture: This type of fracture occurs when a bone breaks lengthwise.

• Oblique Fracture: An angle runs across the bone where the fracture occurs.

• Spiral Fracture: Usually brought on by twisting forces, the break wraps around the bone.

• Comminuted Fracture: Several small pieces of bone break off.

• Segmental Fracture: A segment is formed between the two fractures because the bone is broken in two locations.

Diagnosis of Displaced Fracture

1. Review of Medical History and Symptoms

During the initial consultation, the healthcare provider will begin by thoroughly reviewing the patient's medical history. This includes:

• Past Injuries: Any previous fractures, sprains, or injuries that might affect the current condition.

• Existing Medical Conditions: Chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, diabetes, or arthritis that could influence the healing process.

• Medications: Current medications being taken, as some drugs can impact bone healing.

• Symptoms: Detailed discussion about the injury, including the onset, duration, and nature of pain, as well as any swelling, bruising, or functional limitations experienced.

2. Physical Examination

A comprehensive physical examination is conducted to assess the severity of the injury. This includes:

• Visual Inspection: Observing the injured area for visible deformities, swelling, bruising, or open wounds.

• Palpation: Gently feel the injured area to check for tenderness, warmth, or abnormal alignment of the bones.

• Range of Motion Tests: Assessing the mobility of the affected joint or limb to determine the extent of functional impairment.

• Neurological Assessment: Checking for signs of nerve damage, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the surrounding areas.

3. Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are crucial for accurately diagnosing the fracture and planning the appropriate treatment. These tests include:

• X-rays: The primary imaging tool used to confirm the presence of a fracture. X-rays help determine the type and location of the fracture, as well as the extent of bone displacement.

• CT scans: Computed Tomography (CT) scans provide detailed cross-sectional images of the bone and are particularly useful for complex fractures involving joints or multiple fragments.

• MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is employed to evaluate soft tissue injuries surrounding the fracture, such as ligament, tendon, or muscle damage. MRI is particularly beneficial when there's suspicion of associated injuries that might not be visible on X-rays or CT scans.

Treatment Options for Displaced Fractures

Treatment for fractures involves several key steps, each tailored to the type and severity of the break. The first step is reduction, which can be achieved through either closed or open methods. Closed reduction is a non-invasive procedure where the fractured bone fragments are manually realigned without surgery, followed by immobilization with a cast or splint. Open reduction, on the other hand, is a surgical technique used when closed reduction is not feasible. Surgeons make an incision to realign the bones and may use internal devices to stabilize them.

Immobilization is crucial to ensure proper healing, typically involving the use of a cast or a splint. A cast, made of rigid materials like fiberglass or plaster, keeps the fractured bone immobile. A less rigid splint is used to support and immobilize the injured area, often in the early stages of treatment and adjustable for comfort.

Surgical options include internal fixation and external fixation. Internal fixation involves placing screws, plates, or rods inside the bone to hold fragments together, while external fixation uses metal frames outside the body to stabilize the bone with pins or screws inserted into the bone.

Rehabilitation is an essential part of the recovery process, focusing on physical therapy to restore function, strength, and flexibility after the fracture heals. Pain management during the healing process involves using medications to control pain, along with other techniques such as ice packs and elevation to reduce pain and swelling.

Post Treatment Rehabilitation of Displaced Fracture

1. Pain Management: For a successful rehabilitation process, pain must be addressed effectively. This can be done through medication or physical therapy treatments, ensuring that pain does not hinder the rehabilitation process.

2. Early Mobilization: Depending on the healing progress of the fracture and the treatment used (such as a cast or surgery), introducing mild movements early on is important. This approach helps maintain the range of motion and prevents stiffness.

3. Physical Therapy: Essential for rehabilitation, physical therapy involves exercises designed to improve flexibility, strengthen the muscles around the fracture site, and restore function. This typically includes functional training, strengthening exercises, and stretching.

4. Gradual Load Bearing: As the healing process progresses, gradually increasing weight-bearing exercises help restore strength and function. This incremental approach ensures that the fracture site adapts to increasing loads without compromising healing.

5. Monitoring and Modification: Regular communication with medical specialists is crucial to ensure the rehabilitation plan is adjusted based on the patient's recovery status. This ongoing assessment helps in making necessary modifications to optimize the rehabilitation process.

6. Functional Training: This involves retraining abilities for daily activities and specific tasks affected by the fracture. Functional training focuses on regaining the skills needed for everyday functions and improving overall quality of life.

Why Choose Manhattan Physical Therapy? 

At Manhattan Physical Therapy, we offer a range of services designed to provide comprehensive and effective treatment for displaced fractures:

1. Patient-Centric Approach: We prioritize your needs from the very beginning, ensuring that each care plan is tailored to your specific situation for optimal results.

2. Advanced Diagnostics: Our use of diagnostic ultrasounds allows for quick and accurate diagnosis of fractures and associated complications, setting the stage for precise treatment.

3. Innovative Analysis: With our 3D movement scans, we analyze current dysfunctions and predict potential future issues, enabling a proactive approach to your rehabilitation.

4. Comprehensive Care: We address all aspects of recovery through a variety of services, including acupuncture, pain management, and pelvic floor treatments.

5. Specialized Programs: Our dedicated Bell’s palsy program reflects our commitment to effectively managing specific conditions and supporting diverse patient needs.

6. Redcord® Suspension Therapy: Our Redcord® Suspension Therapy helps correct muscle imbalances and weakness, which is crucial for fracture recovery and enhancing athletic performance.

Contact Us 

To make an appointment, you are requested to call at 680-208-3884. Also, you can book your appointment online. Visit us here: 385 5th Avenue, Suite 503, New York, NY 10016. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Manhattan Physical Therapy is a top choice for treating displaced fractures in New York City. A displaced fracture is caused by trauma such as falls, vehicle accidents, or sports injuries, which causes bone pieces to relocate out of their original position, resulting in intense pain, bruising, swelling, and apparent deformity. Quick and accurate treatment is critical to avoiding problems and ensuring proper healing.

We address all aspects of healing through comprehensive services such as acupuncture, pain management, and specialized programs such as Bell's palsy treatment. Our Redcord® Suspension Therapy successfully addresses muscular imbalances and weaknesses, which are critical for successful fracture repair and athletic performance.