Bone fracture foot
Bone fractures of the foot can affect various bones, for example the tarsal bones (Ossa tarsi), the metatarsal bones (Ossa metatarsalia) or the toe bones (phalanges) can break. The symptoms that occur depend on the bone affected, the type of fracture and the circumstances of the accident. Accordingly, the treatment is carried out to varying degrees.
Thus, fractures of the phalanges can go unnoticed or cause slight to severe pain, swelling and malpositioning. In most cases, however, such fractures heal on their own without complications. Fractures of the metatarsus (Ossa metatarsalia) often occur in athletes or are caused by falling objects.
They are usually accompanied by severe pain and functional limitations when running. Depending on the complexity of the fracture, it is treated conservatively by immobilization using a plaster cast or by a surgical procedure. If one of the tarsal bones (Ossa tarsi) is broken, pain, swelling and restrictions in weight bearing are usually associated.This type of bone fracture often occurs in traffic accidents or as a result of diseases such as osteoporosis.
Here too, treatment can be surgical or conservative, depending on the type and severity of the fracture. A fracture of the wrist is the most common fracture in humans, accounting for 20% of all fractures. The reason for this is that in the event of a fall we reflexively support ourselves with our hands to protect our head and trunk.
A wrist fracture is a fracture of the radius above the wrist. The fracture is symptomatic of immediate pain that worsens with pressure and movement, as well as swelling and malposition. The treating physician can usually make the diagnosis by taking the patient’s medical history (interview) and the clinical examination.
In order to confirm the diagnosis or in the case of uncertain clinical signs, an X-ray is taken in two planes. Therapeutically, there is a choice between conservative and surgical treatment. In the case of an uncomplicated fracture, the conservative treatment is usually chosen, which consists of wearing a plaster cast for 6 weeks.
The immobilization of the fracture causes the parts of the fracture to grow together again regularly, but a follow-up X-ray examination is necessary at regular intervals. If the fracture is displaced (dislocated), a reduction (return to normal position) must be performed before splinting. Depending on the complexity of the fracture, this can be done closed or open (as part of an operation). If the wrist fracture is adequately treated, no late consequences are to be expected.
