Fractures
Occurs when a bone breaks by force
Break
Crack in a bone
Full Break
- The force can be so great that the bone can shatter
Each type of fracture and the location of the fracture impact the client’s…
Occupational engagement and the need for OT services
The severity of a fracture is determined by two factors:
- The strength of the bone
The amount of force applied to the bone (severity of a fracture)
Force can be high energy (like a motor vehicle accident) or low energy (like a fall or long-distance running).
The Strength of the Bone (severity of a fracture)
Bone strength can be weakened due to pathological conditions such as tumors or osteoarthritis.
The most common causes of fractures are:
Pathological Fracture
- Ex. Osteoporosis or Cancer
Fracture Diagnosis
Prognosis of Fractures are dependent upon several factors (Healing & Recovery)
Estimated healing time for uncomplicated fractures in adults (Healing & Recovery)
- 12-16 weeks for lower limb
Conservative Management
Immobilization, over the counter medications, splinting, home exercise programs.
Common Surgical Intervention
Hemiarthroplasty (Common Surgical Intervention)
Partial joint replacement in which the femoral or humeral head and neck are replaced by a metal prothesis
Non-Weight Bearing
% of Weight: 0%
-No WB on the operated leg, it should not touch the floor.
Touchdown or Toe-Touch Weight Bearing
% of Weight: 10%-15%
-Foot of operated leg may rest on floor
Partial Weight Bearing
% of Weight: 30%-50%
-May put 30%-50% of weight through the operated leg.
Weight-Bearing as Tolerated
% of Weight: As tolerated
-Patient may put as much weight through operated leg as tolerated without unnecessary pain or discomfort.
Full Weight Bearing
% of Weight: 75-100%
-Oarient bears full weight on the operated leg
Common Diagnosis
Distal Radius Fracture
-One of the most common upper extremity fractures.
-Most commonly occurs due to a fall onto an outstretched hand.
-Can be managed with immobilization or surgical fixation.
(Colles Fracture)
Colles Fracture
Type of Distal Radius Fracture in which the broken piece of bone points upwards.
Scaphoid Fracture
-Most commonly fractured carpal bone.
~60% of carpal fractures affect the scaphoid.
-Most commonly occurs due to a fall onto an outstretched hand with wrist radial deviation.
-Typically managed with immobilization via thumb spica cast for approximately 8-10 weeks.