Oh, did you fall? Or was there a small accident? Is your arm or leg suddenly sore or swollen? At times like that, we wonder if a bone has been broken. Today, we are going to talk about a special type of fracture that can occur at times like these. That is a transverse fracture, or as doctors call it, an oblique fracture (Oblique Fracture) .
What exactly is an Oblique Fracture?
Simply put, an ``Oblique Fracture`` is when one of your bones breaks at an angle, meaning at a certain angle . Think of it like a wooden stick breaking in two straight across, but instead of breaking at a slight angle. In this case, the bone breaks completely, meaning the fracture line goes all the way through the bone.
These types of fractures are most common in the long bones of our body. For example:
- Femur
- Shin bone `(Tibia)`
- The bone outside the shin bone `(Fibula)`
- The upper arm bone `(Humerus)`
- The bones of the forearm (Radius and Ulna)
- Clavicle
Most of these fractures are caused by falls or accidents. Sometimes surgery is needed to repair the bone. But for some people, a splint or cast can help. The time it takes to fully heal depends on which bone is broken and how it was broken. It usually takes several months to heal.
What is the difference between an oblique fracture and a spiral fracture?
These are two different types of bone fractures. These names help the doctor understand how your bone is broken and what the shape of the fracture is.
In an ``Oblique Fracture``, the bone breaks at an angle, at a slant . That is, the break is like a slanted line across the bone. These types of fractures can occur when a weight falls on an oblique side, such as in a fall, or when something suddenly hits the oblique side, such as in a car accident.
But in a `(Spiral Fracture)` the bone is broken in a spiral, like a spiral staircase . These are more common in sports accidents. Imagine if someone came and twisted your leg hard while playing football.
So what is the difference between an oblique fracture and a transverse fracture?
In both cases, the fracture is like a straight line through the bone.
But in an ``Oblique Fracture``, the line is at an angle . In a ``Transverse Fracture``, the line is completely across the bone, that is, perpendicular to the length of the bone.
However, no matter what you call your fracture, the most important thing is to see a doctor as soon as possible and get checked out.
How common are these oblique fractures?
Oblique fractures are actually a very common type of fracture, especially in long bones.
Who is more likely to develop these?
Anyone can get a fracture like this. They are mainly caused by falls and accidents. If you are prone to falling, you are more likely to get one. Also, people with osteoporosis, a disease that weakens the bones, are at higher risk of any type of fracture, including this (Oblique Fracture).
What are the symptoms of an Oblique Fracture?
If you have an Oblique Fracture, you may experience symptoms like:
- Severe pain
- Swelling
- Pain when touched (tenderness)
- Inability to move a body part that can normally be moved
- Bruising or skin discoloration
- A deformity or lump that is not normally present is visible in that area.
Important: If you have one or more of these symptoms, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.
What are open and closed fractures?
When your doctor classifies a fracture, they will tell you whether it is open or closed . In an open fracture , your broken bone has broken through the skin and is sticking out. These take longer to heal, are more likely to become infected, and can cause other complications. A closed fracture is also serious, but the bone does not come out of the skin.
What are displaced fractures?
Doctors call these fractures either ``Displaced`` or ``Non-displaced``. A ``Displaced Fracture`` is when the two pieces of the bone break and are moved apart, leaving a gap around the broken part. Imagine you broke a wooden stick in two. If the two pieces are still close together, it is ``Non-displaced.`` But if the two pieces are moved apart and have a gap between them, it is ``Displaced.`` These ``Displaced`` fractures are more likely to require surgery.
What are the causes of oblique fractures?
An Oblique Fracture can occur if your bone is impacted in any way. These usually occur when something hits the side of your body. The most common causes are:
- Falls (e.g., slipping, falling from a height)
- Car accidents
- Sports accidents (e.g. collisions while playing cricket, football)
Imagine, Nimal went to play cricket and suddenly tripped and fell while fielding. Or, Sumana aunty slipped and fell while going down a flight of stairs at home. That's when there's a high chance of a fall and a fracture.
How do doctors diagnose this?
Your doctor will diagnose an oblique fracture with a physical examination and some imaging tests .
What are these tests trying to find out?
After the physical examination, you may have one or more of these tests:
- X-rays: An X-ray can confirm whether you have an oblique fracture or other bone fracture. It can also show the extent of damage to the bone.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Sometimes your doctor will order an MRI. This can look at the damage to your bones and the surrounding tissues. This is important to see if there is any damage to your muscles, connective tissue, or organs.
- CT scan: If you need surgery, your doctor or surgeon will need to know exactly how much damage has been done to your bones. A CT scan can produce a clearer, more detailed picture of the bones and surrounding tissue than an X-ray. If the X-rays are inconclusive, you may need a CT scan to plan your surgery.
How are oblique fractures treated?
The treatment for your ``Oblique Fracture`` will depend on the severity of the original fracture. Your broken bones need to heal and heal. Your doctor will use different treatments depending on how damaged they are and what caused the fracture.
Immobilization
If your fracture is not very serious, meaning the pieces of bone are not too far apart (`non-displaced`), you may be able to recover with just a splint or a cast . A splint will last about three to five weeks. A cast will last longer, usually six to eight weeks. In either case, you will need to have another X-ray to make sure the bone is healing properly.
Manual Adjustment (Closed Reduction)
For more serious fractures, a non-surgical procedure called a closed reduction is used to realign the broken bone. In this procedure, the doctor holds the broken bone from the outside of your body, pressing and pulling it back into place. During this procedure, you will be given one of the following to help reduce pain:
- A local anesthetic to numb only the broken area.
- Sedatives to relax the whole body.
- General anesthesia will put you to sleep throughout the entire procedure.
After performing this ``Closed Reduction'', the doctor will apply a splint or plaster to you.
Surgery for Oblique Fractures (Oblique Fracture Surgery)
For very serious fractures, surgery is required. The surgeon will realign your bones and fix them so they don't move. Only then will they heal.
Internal Fixation
Most often, this is done using something called internal fixation . This means that the surgeon inserts metal pieces (like rods, plates, or pins) into your bone to hold it in place. After that, you will need to rest the part of your body that was operated on until the bone heals completely.
There are several methods of ``Internal Fixation``:
- Rods: A rod that is inserted through the middle of the bone from top to bottom.
- Plates and screws: Metal plates that are screwed into the bone to hold the bone pieces together.
- Pins and wires: These are used to hold together smaller bone fragments than other fixation devices. They are usually used in conjunction with pins or plates.
Some people live with these metal pieces in their bodies. Some people have to have surgery again to remove them.
External Fixation
You may also need to have an external fixation . This involves the surgeon inserting pins into your body on either side of the broken bone and attaching the pins to a frame or brace on the outside of your body. This is usually done temporarily. This is done to give the bone time to stabilize and start healing before an internal fixation is performed.
Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty)
If you have a broken joint, such as your hip, knee, or shoulder, you may need to have a joint replacement (arthroplasty) . The surgeon removes your damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial joint . This artificial joint may be made of metal, ceramic, or strong plastic. Your new joint will look and move just like your natural joint.
Bone Grafting
If your Oblique Fracture is very 'displaced', meaning that the bone pieces have moved around a lot, and the bone is not healing properly and is slow to heal, you may need to have a bone graft . The surgeon will insert extra bone tissue to reconnect your broken bone. Then, usually with an internal fixation, the pieces are held together until the bone grows back. The tissue for this bone graft can be taken from different places:
- From somewhere else on your own body - usually the top of your hip bone.
- From another donor.
- An artificially made piece.
`(Oblique Fracture)` surgeries are usually done without staying in the hospital (`outpatient procedures`), and you can go home the same day. However, if it is a surgery on a large bone like the femur, you will have to stay in the hospital for several days.
After surgery, the broken bone will be immobilized. You will need to wear a brace, splint, or cast before you can put weight on the part again or use it as you did before the bone was broken.
What medications are given for sprains and fractures?
Some painkillers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen ( NSAIDs ), can cause bleeding and other complications after surgery. Your surgeon will tell you about medications you can take to help reduce pain after surgery.
What are the complications of treatment for stress fractures?
Some of the possible complications of surgery are:
- Acute Compartment Syndrome (ACS): If pressure inside a muscle increases and blood flow to the tissue is cut off, permanent damage to the muscles and nerves can occur.
- Malunion: A condition in which a broken bone does not heal properly and instead comes together incorrectly.
- Nonunion: The failure of bones to come back together completely and properly.
- Bone infection (Osteomyelitis): If you have an open fracture (one where the bone has broken through the skin), you are more likely to develop a bacterial infection.
- Other internal injuries: Fractures can also damage the surrounding muscles, nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and ligaments.
How soon will I feel better after treatment?
It may take several weeks for your symptoms to subside. Depending on the type of surgery you had to repair your `(Oblique Fracture)` and which bones were broken, you may be able to start moving around again in a few weeks.
Urgent Attention: If you have unbearable pain that does not subside, call your doctor immediately.
How can the risk of fractures like this be reduced?
Follow these general safety tips to reduce injuries from accidents:
- Always wear your seat belt when driving.
- Wear appropriate safety equipment when playing sports and other activities.
- Keep your home and workplace clean and free of things that could cause you to slip and fall and trip.
- Always use proper tools or equipment to reach things from above. Never climb on chairs, tables, or counters.
- Follow a diet and exercise plan that helps maintain good bone health.
- If you are over 50 or have a family history of osteoporosis , talk to your doctor about a bone density test.
- If you have difficulty walking or are at high risk of falling, use your cane or walker .
Can an Oblique Fracture be prevented?
`(Oblique Fractures)` Since they usually occur from falls or other accidents, there is not much you can do to prevent them. However, you can use a cane or walker to increase your stability when walking and to prevent falls.
Also, if you have osteoporosis , treating it can prevent further loss of bone density in the future.
What can I expect if I have an oblique fracture?
If you have an Oblique Fracture, you can expect to make a full recovery . But it will take some time.
You may also need to undergo physiotherapy to regain strength and range of motion in the injured body part.
How long does it take for an oblique fracture to heal?
The time it takes for you to recover depends on the severity of your fracture and the treatment you received. Most people take several months to recover from an Oblique Fracture.
However, there are many other factors that can affect how long it takes for your body to heal. Talk to your doctor or surgeon about a timeline that is right for your specific situation.
Will I be unable to go to work/school?
The amount of time you will be unable to go to work, school, or other activities will vary depending on the specific injuries you have and which bones are broken.
While you are healing, talk to your surgeon or doctor before you resume any physical activity.
Finally, about an oblique fracture...
The outlook for most `(Oblique Fracture)` is good. Even if you have surgery, you should make a full recovery.
When should I go to the Emergency Room?
If you think you have an ``Oblique Fracture'' or any other bone fracture, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Go to the emergency room if you have any of these symptoms:
- Unbearable pain.
- If you can't move a part of your body that you can normally move.
- If a part of your body has changed in appearance or is protruding out of place .
- If you can see the bone sticking out of the skin.
- Swelling.
- If, along with these other symptoms, new bruises suddenly appear.
If you have had an accident, go to the emergency room immediately.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
- Which of my bones is broken?
- Do I have an Oblique Fracture or another type of fracture?
- Do I need surgery?
- How long will it take to recover?
- When can I start physical activity again?
An oblique fracture is not usually a life-changing event, but it can be scary to know you have a broken bone. Oblique fractures respond well to treatment, and there are many options to help your bones and body heal properly. Talk to your doctor about how you can keep your bones strong and healthy, and get regular bone density tests if you are over 50 or have a family history of osteoporosis.
` Fracture, Oblique Fracture, Bone Health, Bone, First Aid, Surgery
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