Fracture is a break in the continuity of the bone. This is either caused by trauma, injury, impact, stress, or an underlying medical condition, like osteoporosis, menopause, sedentary lifestyle, eating disorders, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, hyperthyroidism, and bone cancer. Physical abuse, strenuous exercises, and accidents are among the other causes.

Long bones, skull, rib, and spine are most commonly at risk of having fractures. Some of these bones include the humerus, pelvis, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, and smaller bones like metacarpals, clavicle and scapula. Swelling, bruising, deformity, and loss of function of the affected part are the common signs and symptoms of bone fracture.

Fracture is classified into two: closed fracture is fractures in which the skin is still intact, while the open fracture has wounds, hematoma, and exposure of the bone in the skin surface. The following are different types of fracture based on the condition of the bone after an injury:

• Complete fracture: Bone fragments have separated completely.
• Incomplete fracture : Some parts on the bones are still connected.
• Linear fracture: The damaged is parallel to the bone’s long axis.
• Transverse fracture: The fracture forms a horizontal line or at right angle to the bone’s long axis.
• Oblique fracture: A diagonal line forms upon the damaged bone.
• Spiral fracture: One part of the bone has been twisted.
• Comminuted fracture: Bone fragments have been broken into smaller pieces.
• Impacted fracture: A bone fragment hits the other part of the bone.
• Greenstick fracture: A bone bends and partially breaks. This is common in children.

Fracture is a break in the continuity of the bone. It has been noted to have various types depending on the severity of the factors that caused it.

Management for fracture involves the use of pain medications, immobilization, and surgery. Initially, the bones have to be immobilized to prevent further pain and damages. They are also elevated and cold compress is applied to relieve spasm and swelling. Splints and boards are applied to the affected part not just for immobilization but to promote normal healing of the bone. Surgery and cast application are recommended if the bones have healed improperly even after splinting. A cast can be applied few days after splinting. There are two types of cast: plaster and fiberglass. Each has its own characteristics but the plaster is more favorable and convenient for most patients. It must be fitted correctly to prevent complications from ill-fitted casts, like swelling and compression. Surgery is done either by closed or open reduction. Closed reduction is done by manual manipulation and application of cast. Open reduction is an operation using pins, rods, and other fixators. They are either permanent or temporary depending on the severity of the fracture.

Treatment by medications is done to alleviate pain associated by the fracture or the procedures done from immobilization and surgery. Pain relievers, like acetaminophen, and NSAIDs are most commonly recommended for minor pain management and for children suffering from fractures. Tramadol, an opioid analgesic, is usually prescribed during severe pain attacks, and after cast application or surgery. Tramadol can be combined with other analgesics to effectively relieve pain.

To Summarize :

Fracture is a break in the continuity of the bone. It has been noted to have various types depending on the severity of the factors that caused it. Symptoms of pain is the primary manifestation of it and tramadol has been found to have a good effect to cure it.