Fractures and Dislocations

Fractures and dislocations can occur when a high force impacts against our body. A fracture is an umbrella term that encompasses all breaks of a bone, whether they be small, large, complete or penetrating through the skin. A dislocation is when a joint is forced out of it’s regular position, causing the joint to stick out at a funny angle. Dislocations usually cause injury to the surrounding ligaments or tendons of the joint. Smaller fractures may not cause visible deformity, and require an X-ray to be diagnosed. Some people can sustain a fracture and dislocation at the same time.

SYMPTOMS OF A FRACTURE:

• Pain localised to a particular area, with or without deformity
• Swelling
• Bruising
• If in the finger, the finger may look to be in an awkward position or bend in an usual way when moved

Most people can still move their fingers or hand when a fracture is present. Being able to still move your hand is not a reliable indication that you haven’t sustained a fracture

SYMPTOMS OF A DISLOCATION:

• The joint may be sticking out at a funny angle
• The joint may or may not pop back into it’s usual position easily
• Pain
• Swelling
• Reduced range of motion – If a joint remains dislocated, it will not be able to move as the joint is not in the correct position. If a joint was dislocated but then put back into place, movement can occur but may be painful

TREATMENT:

If a fracture or dislocation is suspected, an X-ray should always be done to check the extent of the fracture, the alignment of the bones and whether a joint is properly in the right position. Patients should never try to put a dislocated joint back into position themselves – you should always seek medical assistance and have the joint relocated by a medical professional. In severe cases, surgical intervention is required to re-align bones correctly or repair ligaments or tendons that have been torn. Following the diagnosis of a fracture or dislocation, treatment may involve:

• Protective splinting
• Provision of exercises to return range of motion to the area, when safe to do so
• Swelling management
• Wound and scar management after surgery
• Strengthening