Comminuted fractures break bones. A bone with two broken pieces is called a comminuted fracture. Traumas like car accidents cause comminuted fractures. Your bone will need surgery, and recovery may take a year.

Comminuted Fracture Types

Comminuted fractures are classified by location and bone fragmentation. The most common comminuted fractures are:

• Intra-articular comminuted fracture: Bone fragments extend into a joint in this fracture. A severe injury can cause joint damage and long-term disability. Intra-articular comminuted fractures often require surgery to realign and stabilize bone fragments and prevent joint damage.
• Segmental comminuted fracture: In this type of fracture, the bone breaks into two or more pieces, and a segment is completely detached from the main part. Example: comminuted skull fracture. The detached segment may require reattachment surgery, making this fracture difficult to treat.
• Butterfly comminuted fracture: A butterfly fracture breaks the bone into two or more pieces that resemble butterfly wings. This fracture usually affects the femur or tibia.
• A comminuted spiral fracture occurs when the bone is twisted, and the fracture line runs spirally along the bone. This fracture is difficult to treat because the bone fragments may not align properly.
• Segmental stellate fracture: This type of comminuted fracture breaks the bone into several pieces that radiate from a central point. An impact from a car accident or a fall from a height can cause this fracture.

Symptoms Of  Comminuted Fracture

The trauma that causes a comminuted fracture will likely cause serious symptoms. Symptoms depend on other injuries. In general, comminuted fracture symptoms include: 

• Extreme pain
• Having trouble moving a body part
• Some parts of your body look odd
• Seeing bone through skin
• Swelling
• Bruising

What Causes Comminuted Fracture?

Common comminuted fracture causes:

• One of the leading causes of comminuted fractures is car accidents. The force of a high-speed collision can fracture multiple bones.
• Falls from ladders, staircases, or balconies can cause comminuted fractures. Due to weaker bones, older people are more likely to suffer this injury.
• Sports injuries: High-impact sports can cause comminuted fractures. Sports like football, rugby, and skiing can cause comminuted fractures.
• Assault and other physical violence can cause comminuted fractures. Domestic violence victims often have these fractures.
• Osteoporosis: Soft, weak bones increase the risk of fractures. Even minor falls can cause comminuted fractures.
• Pathological fractures: Bone cancer or osteomyelitis weakens bones, causing pathological fractures. Multiple bone fragments can result from this fracture.

Comminuted Fracture Risk Factors

These risk factors may increase the risk of a comminuted fracture:

• Age: Fractures are more likely as bones weaken and break.
• Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis, which increases fracture risk.
• Lifestyle: Smokers, heavy drinkers, and malnourished people are more likely to develop osteoporosis and fractures.
• Medical conditions: Cancer and diabetes weaken bones and increase fracture risk.

Treatments of Comminuted Fractures

A long or large bone fracture requires surgery to repair a comminuted fracture. Your surgeon will use one of several methods to repair comminuted fractures, depending on your injuries, bone fracture, and other complications.

Your surgeon will realign and secure your bones so they can heal and grow together. Internal fixation, in which your surgeon inserts metal pieces into your bone to hold it while it heals, is typical. Some internal fixation methods:

• Rods: A top-to-bottom bone-center rod.
• Metal plates: Metal plates are screwed into your bone to secure them.
• Pins and wires: Pins and wires hold bone pieces too small for other fasteners. They’re usually used with rods or plates. Your comminuted fracture may require pins and wires to hold the bones together.

Comminuted Fracture Treatment Complications

Comminuted fracture surgery complications:

• ACS: acute compartment syndrome Pressure in your muscles can prevent blood from reaching tissue, causing permanent muscle and nerve damage.
• Malunion: When broken bones heal misaligned.
• Nonunion: Your bones may not heal.
• Open fractures increase the risk of bacterial infection (osteomyelitis).
• Other internal damage: Fractures can damage muscles, nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and ligaments.

Side effects of NSAIDs include:

•  bleeding.
• Ulcers.
• Stomach ache.
• Bowel issues.

Comminuted Breakage Road to Recovery and Aftercare

Comminuted fracture recovery takes time and dedication. The aftercare includes:

• Following doctor orders: Successful recovery requires following the doctor’s immobilization, rehabilitation, and pain management instructions.
• Rest and unwind: Resting and avoiding strenuous activities can help heal the injured area.
• Nutrition: Getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet can help prevent fractures.
• Complication monitoring: Recovery requires monitoring for infection, nerve damage, and blood clots.
• Follow-up appointments: Dallas pain medicine doctors visits are needed to monitor healing and prevent complications.

Comminuted Fracture Outlook

Comminuted fractures are severe. If the trauma caused other injuries, your life may be forever changed. Comminuted fractures are often caused by life-threatening traumas, making them difficult to distinguish. Ask dr william moore in Dallas about your customized trauma recovery plan and what to expect.