A comminuted fracture is characterized by the breaking of the bone into more than two fragments, which can be a consequence of serious accidents or falls from a very high height, for example, causing intense pain, swelling and deformity at the site.
The diagnosis of comminuted fracture is made by the orthopedist based on observation of the signs presented by the person and the results of the X-ray examination, which shows more than two bone fragments.
Treatment for this type of fracture is done through surgery, in which the fragments are removed or repositioned according to the severity of the fracture. In some cases, the orthopedist may recommend the placement of metal plates to prevent displacement of the fragments and accelerate the regeneration process.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of a comminuted fracture are:
- Intense pain;
- Swelling and deformity at the site;
- Inability to move the fractured limb;
- Numbness and tingling in the region.
In the presence of signs and symptoms of a fracture, it is important to go to the nearest hospital so that the most appropriate treatment can be initiated. See more about fracture symptoms.
Don’t ignore your symptoms!
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of comminuted fracture is made by the orthopedist based on observation of the signs and symptoms presented by the person and assessment of the affected limb. In addition, an X-ray of the region is performed to assess the severity of the fracture and thus define the best treatment.
Causes of joint fracture
Comminuted fractures are more common due to high-impact situations, such as car accidents, gun accidents or serious falls, as the impact on the bone is greater, causing it to break into more than two fragments.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for comminuted fracture varies according to the location of the injury and number of fragments. Most of the time, it is recommended by the orthopedist to perform surgery to remove the smaller fragments and fix the fractured segments, favoring recovery and preventing the bone fragments from moving to other parts of the body and leading to complications, such as hemorrhage or organ damage, for example.
What is recovery like?
Recovery varies depending on the type of injury and the patient’s general condition. In the case of a comminuted jaw fracture, for example, whether due to car accidents or firearm accidents, recovery involves speech therapy sessions, so that the person can articulate the jaw correctly and speak naturally, in addition to physiotherapy, to also promote jaw movement.
Physiotherapy is essential for recovery after surgery for comminuted fractures, as it allows the affected region to be stimulated, restoring mobility to the affected region, promoting strength gain and, thus, preventing loss of movement or atrophy, for example. Find out how to recover from a fracture faster.
Bibliography
- MEHLING, Isabella; MEHLING Andreas; ROMMENS, Pol M. Comminuted patellar fractures. Current Orthopaedics. Vol 20. 397-404, 2006
- BIANCHINI, Esther MG and. al. Interdisciplinary Therapy for Comminuted Condyle Fracture by Gunshot Projectile – Myofunctional Approach. Rev. CEFAC. Vol 12. 5 ed; 881-888, 2010
Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date with exclusive news
that can transform your routine!
