Fixing seriously broken bones can have a huge impact on an individual’s movement, autonomy, and overall quality of life. Regular fractures can heal on their own with the use of just a cast or an external device, but serious or complex fractures typically contain many pieces of bone, damage to a joint, or have an inherent instability, meaning they cannot heal properly without the use of some kind of internal device. Orthopedic implants are important to stabilizing a broken bone, restoring it to its proper alignment, and allowing for an effective healing process.
The way orthopedic implants support the management of a serious fracture has revolutionized fracture management by providing much earlier mobility and significantly reduced pain while also improving long-term outcomes. In this article, you will learn about the various ways orthopedic implants are utilized with serious fractures, the ways in which they enhance healing, the treatment and recovery processes, and the long-term impact of a healed fracture on the individual’s bone health.
Severe and Complex Bone Fractures
High-impact trauma from a road vehicle crash, fall from a height, or sports injury can cause severe fractures. Most severe fractures are also unstable and would require surgical intervention to manage effectively.
Complex Fracture Definition
The following are characteristics of complex fractures:
- There are multiple broken pieces of bone.
- The fracture has misaligned or displaced bone fragments or pieces.
- One or more bones have extended into the joint (articular).
- One or more bones are open fractures (the bone has broken through the skin).
Precision alignment and stable fixation of these injuries require the use of orthopedic implants to ensure proper healing.
The Role of Orthopedic Implants in Complex Fractures
Natural healing for a complex fracture is difficult due to instability. Without the use of orthopedic implants, the fractured ends of the bone cannot be held together and will remain out of alignment until healed.
Orthopedic Implants Perform The Following Functions:
- Maintain proper location of the fractured bone fragments while the bone heals
- Prevent abnormal motion of the fractured bone during healing
- Restore the natural anatomical alignment of the bone before fractures
- Allow for early controlled weight-bearing activities by the fracture
The absence of orthopedic implants can result in improper healing of the complex fracture and result in chronic pain, deformity, and permanent disability as a consequence.
Different Types of Orthopedic Implants for Severe Fractures
The type of implant used will depend on the fracture itself, where it occurs in the bone, and other factors such as the patient’s age and quality of the bone.
– Plates and Screws
Plates are attached to the surface of the bone with screws. They are the primary method of fixation for fractures close to the joints or in skinny flat bones that require precise alignment of the fracture.
– Intramedullary Nails and Rods
Intramedullary nails and rods, which are placed within the hollow space of the bone, provide strong internal support for the fractured bone. These implants are commonly used to treat fractures of long bones, such as the femur and tibia.
– Pins and Wires
Pins and wires are most often used with smaller bones or as an adjunct to other methods of fixation. Their purpose is to help maintain the alignment of the fractured bone when an injury has occurred.
– External Fixators
External fixators are used for the temporary or permanent stabilization of fractured bones in cases of severe open fractures or severe trauma, where a minimum amount of surgical trauma is desired.
Preoperative Assessment
Prior to performing any surgical procedure, physicians will assess many factors, including:
- Type of fracture and severity
- Quality of the bone(s) being treated
- The overall health of the patient
- Any risk of complications
Imaging techniques such as X-ray and CT scan will be utilized to provide the proper information needed to determine the correct positioning of the implant.
Implant Positioning
Once the procedure begins, the fractured bone(s) are repositioned and secured to the proper position by means of orthopedic implants. Accuracy and precision in the placement of the various implants provides for both stable fixation of the bone and facilitates the healing of the bone to its normal anatomy.
After You Have Had Implant Surgery
Recovering from a fracture does not happen overnight, and the recovery time varies depending on your age, how severely you broke your bone(s), and how well you follow your rehabilitation program.
First Stages of Recovery
In the first stages of recovery, your doctor will help you manage your pain and swelling, limit or partially unload (weight-bearing) your movement, and monitor your progress with periodic imaging.
Stages of Rehabilitation
As you recover, your physical therapy will consist of exercises designed to help you:
- Gain strength
- Increase your range of motion
- Restore your balance and coordination
Long-term Healing
After your fracture has healed, you will reconvene with all normal activities. This may take months to complete your healing process.
Things That Will Influence Your Healing
There are several things that can affect how well you heal when orthopedic implants are used, such as:
- Your age
- How well you eat
- Your bone density
- If you smoke and your lifestyle choices
- Your compliance with your rehab program
One of the keys to a successful outcome is having your rehabilitation program incorporate both the treatment that has been planned and your active participation in that program.
Complications and Preventing Complications
While orthopedic implants work very well, complications can occur, although they are unusual.
Examples of Complications
- Infection
- Loosening of the Implant
- Delay in the Healing Process
- Irritation of the Tissue Around The Implant
These risks can be effectively reduced by utilizing proper surgical technique, post-operative care, and postoperative monitoring.
Living After You Have Healed with Orthopedic Implants
After you have healed, you will return to the majority of your daily activities near pre-injury levels. Most orthopedic implants are designed to stay in the body on a permanent basis; however, some could be removed.
Read more:Orthopedic Implants : Comprehensive Overview of Types & Advantages.
conclusion
Orthopedic devices play a key role in the stabilization of complex fractures from injury. Orthopedic devices help provide stability to fractured bones, reduce pain, and accelerate the time for a person to put weight through the involved bone, and thus provide the best opportunity for the patient to heal and recover from their injuries. By following an appropriate surgical plan and developing a comprehensive rehabilitation program, patients will regain their strength, mobility, and confidence in returning to their daily activities and improving physical function and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you need orthopedic implants for all serious breaks?
In most cases complex fractures require the use of an implant to heal properly.
2. How long does an orthopedic implant remain in the body?
Some implants remain in the body permanently, but some can be removed after healing has occurred.
3. Is implant surgery painful?
The level of pain experienced after surgery is manageable and becomes significantly better once the fracture has stabilized.
4.How long does it take for a fracture to heal?
Healing time will often depend on the type of fracture (complex vs simple—3–6 months).
5. Can a patient walk following implant surgery?
Walking/moving will occur at the patient’s pace based on guidance from the doctor. tor
6. Do implants make the bone weaker?
No, they provide support and aid bone healing/stability.
7. Is it safe for elderly patients to have implants?
Yes, an implant is especially beneficial to help restore mobility.
8. What happens if your fracture heals improperly?
The use of implants can prevent a deformity and/or long-term complications.
