Comminuted Fracture

Bones form the skeletal framework of the body, which provides support for the body, protects the internal organs and facilitates movement. There are as many as 206 bones in the human body. These bones are usually tough and can bend a little, but, cannot withstand too much pressure. So, such pressure can result in the breaking of bones, which are termed as fractures, that can range from minor to severe ones, like simple and comminuted fractures respectively. The causes for bone fractures can be a hard fall, direct blows or twisting injuries. There are different types of bone fractures, which are classified into broad categories, based on the characteristics of fractures.

Classification of Bone Fractures

Bone fractures can be classified into closed and open. In case of closed fractures (simple fractures), the skin will be intact, but, if the skin is torn and the bone is exposed, then it is an open fracture or compound fracture, wherein the bone is prone to infection. Bone fractures are also classified as per the alignment of the fractured bones. If the bone is not displaced from its normal alignment, even after the fracture, then it is called non-displaced fracture. Otherwise, it will be classified as a displaced fracture. Bone fractures are classified as per the type of bone breakage. If the bone is broken at an angle, then it is oblique, if it the breakage is circular, then it is a spiral fracture (often caused by twisting of bone) and if a bone breaks along its length, it is called a transverse fracture. Greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture, wherein the bone is bent. A collapse in the vertebrae is called a compression fracture, whereas stress fracture occurs as a result of overuse of the bone.In short, bone fractures can be open (simple) or closed (compound) and displaced or non-displaced. As per the fracture line, bone fracture can be oblique, spiral, transverse, greenstick, compression, stress fracture. Another complicated fracture is comminuted fracture, wherein the bone is broken into several pieces. The following paragraphs can give you more details about comminuted fracture, which is otherwise known as multi fragmentary fracture.

Comminuted Fracture

Now, you know that in a comminuted fracture, the bone is broken into several pieces. In order to be classified as a comminuted fracture, there must be at least three separate pieces of broken bone. It is considered a serious and complicated bone fracture, particularly if it is an open one. A comminuted fracture as such is very complicated, but, if it an open one, then there are chances of the bone getting infected too. Such open comminuted fractures take much longer to heal, when compared to other types of bone fractures. Normally, bones are tough and do not yield to mild pressure. It requires a forceful pressure for a bone to get fragmented. Comminuted fracture causes include vehicular trauma, severe fall, bullet injury, etc. While older people, especially those with diseases of bones, like, osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease) or bone cancer, are most likely to suffer this fracture, there are many young people, who suffer this condition due to road accidents. It has also been observed that almost all cases of comminuted fractures are open ones, which can be more dangerous.

Comminuted fracture symptoms include severe pain at the site of the fracture. The area may swell up and become warm. The person may also faint due to the severe pain. This condition is usually diagnosed with X-rays. An X-ray of the site can be beneficial to decide the course of treatment, as the details of the fracture, like, broken pieces, alignment, etc, can be inferred from the X-ray. Comminuted fracture treatment may include surgery to fix the bones, so that the bones can knit together and heal fast. In some severe cases of comminuted fracture, the whole bone has to be exposed and fixed with pins and then placed in its normal position. Even some preventive treatment is required to counter the possibilities of infection. However, comminuted fracture healing may take some time and this can be longer than other types of fractures.

In short, a comminuted fracture is very complicated and needs immediate treatment to prevent ramifications, like, infection, which in turn, can lead to loss of limbs or even life. Other possible complications of comminuted fracture are compartment syndrome, vascular necrosis, and nonunion. A person who is undergoing treatment for comminuted syndrome has to visit the doctor regularly to monitor the healing process.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.