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What is worse displaced or nondisplaced fracture?
Displaced fractures are generally more complex because the bones are out of alignment, or they may be in several pieces. The broken bone snaps out of place, and the broken ends do not line up correctly.
What does it mean for a fracture to be displaced?
Displaced fractures: A gap forms where the bone breaks. Often, this injury requires surgery to fix. Partial fractures: The break doesn’t go all the way through the bone. Stress fractures: The bone gets a crack in it, which is sometimes tough to find with imaging.
Is a displaced fracture serious?
This is a serious condition that requires immediate, aggressive treatment to decrease the risk of infection. Closed fracture – The skin remains unbroken. Displaced fracture – The bone fragments on each side of the break aren’t aligned, which may require surgery for complete healing.
Can a displaced fracture become Nondisplaced?
When we talk about fractures, we use certain terms to describe where the bone is broken, in what sort of pattern, open or closed and if it is displaced (shifted apart) or angulated. Fractures can be nondisplaced (a crack in the bone), spiral, segmented, or comminuted (multiple pieces).
Does a nondisplaced fracture need a cast?
Non-displaced fracture: refers to a break in which the bones stay in their original position. These types of fractures are most often treated with a cast to keep the bones stable as they heal.
How do you know if a fracture is displaced?
Fractures are characterized as either displaced or non-displaced and as either closed or open. A displaced fracture occurs when the bone breaks into two or more parts. A non-displaced fracture occurs when the bone cracks, but maintains its proper position and alignment.
Can a displaced fracture heal itself?
Even broken bones that don’t line up (called displaced) often will heal straight over time. Sometimes the displaced bones need to be put back in place before the cast, splint, or brace is put on. This is done through a procedure called a reduction.
What do you do for a nondisplaced fracture?
With non-displaced fractures, the bone typically stays aligned in an acceptable position for healing. Such fractures are usually treated with a splint, brace, or cast. This immobilizes the injured bone, promotes healing, and reduces pain and swelling.