A Clinical Approach to Fractures

A fracture is a clinical condition in which there is a complete or partial break in the continuity of a bone. In severe cases of bone fracture, bone continuity can be broken at several sites. It can arise as a result of a high force stress or impact or a minimal trauma injury occurring due to conditions that weaken the bones such as osteopenia, bone cancer, osteoporosis or osteogenesis imperfecta. The most common sign of bone fracture is pain. If there is damage incurred in adjacent structures such as muscles, blood vessels, nerves, spinal cord, etc. other signs and symptoms may appear. If such fractures are not assessed and treated, they may lead to complications such as non-union and mal-union of the fractured bone compartment syndrome that may require amputation of the affected limb. The objective of this book is to give a general view of the different types of bone fractures and their clinical presentations. It attempts to understand the various interventions used for the management and correction of bone fractures. For all readers who are interested in orthopedics, the case studies included in this book will serve as an excellent guide to develop a comprehensive understanding.