Fractures Specialist
-
- Tweet
Thomas F. Saylor, M.D.
Board Certified Hand and Upper Extremity Orthopedic Surgeon & Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon located in North Palm Beach, FL
Any bone in your body can experience a fracture, and working with a skilled orthopedic specialist is the best way to address this common medical condition. Thomas F. Saylor, MD, of Orthopaedic Care Specialists has helped many residents of North Palm Beach, Florida, find relief from all types of fractures. If you or a loved one suffers a broken bone, call Orthopaedic Care Specialists, or visit the online scheduling page to set up a visit right away.
Fractures Q & A
What are fractures?
Fracture is the medical term for broken bones. There are various types of fractures, some of which are easier to treat than others.
A hairline fracture is a partial break and can be difficult to detect using X-ray imaging. A stress fracture occurs because of repeated strain and stress, often due to athletic or fitness pursuits. A transverse fracture is a straight break that extends across the bone.
Some fractures don’t lead to a full break, while others create a crushing effect in the bone tissue. When a fracture also damages the surrounding skin, it is known as a compound fracture. There are many other types of fractures, and a thorough diagnostic work-up is required to determine the right treatment plan.
What are some symptoms of a fracture?
Some fractures are impossible to overlook and cause clear symptoms like severe pain, a visible change in the surrounding skin, bleeding, or unusual changes in the angle of a limb, finger, or toe.
In other cases, however, it may not be clear that a fracture has occurred. Some signs to keep an eye out for include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Discoloration
- Grating sensation within a joint
- Inability to place weight on the injured area
- Inability to move the affected joint
- Dizziness or nausea
- Pale or clammy skin
If you suspect you or a loved one has suffered a fracture, take care not to move until help arrives and the area is supported.
What is the treatment for fractures?
Dr. Saylor begins by performing a comprehensive exam to determine if a fracture is present. He might order X-rays or other imaging to learn more about the extent and location of the fracture.
Many fractures can be addressed using fixation, which realigns the bone and supports the area with a splint or cast. Broken bone tissue can sometimes be aligned using hands-on pressure, but in other cases surgery is required.
Dr. Saylor sometimes uses devices like pins, rods, plates, or screws to secure bone tissue in place. These devices can be positioned internally or might extend through your skin and attach to external supports that act as scaffolding.
Bone stimulator therapy can help heal certain types of difficult fractures. Bone grafting can help by moving bone tissue from one area of your body to the site of the fracture or using donor tissue.
Dr. Saylor specializes in minimally invasive surgical procedures that repair fractures without large incisions and the risks associated with open surgery. To learn more about these and other treatment options, schedule your appointment online or by phone today.
