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Fractures & Dislocations

Avoid Treatment Delay – Visit Midwest Express Clinic

Accidents that result in broken bones, fractures, and dislocations can happen without warning. Proper healing requires prompt medical treatment, but visiting the emergency room means you may be waiting for hours before even seeing a provider – and end up with an outrageous bill.

 Avoid the long delay and big out-of-pocket costs and visit our walk-in urgent care at Midwest Express Clinic. We have on-site x-ray and diagnostics to properly assess your injury so we can provide you with the most effective treatment plan. You can even let us know you’re on the way by reserving your spot in your nearest location’s waiting room online.

The Difference Between Fractures & Dislocations

Fractures are breaks or cracks in the bone(s), while dislocations are when a bone moves out of place from its usual connecting joint. Both fractures and dislocations can be very painful, but the symptoms you experience will help determine which injury you may have.

Fracture Symptoms & Treatment

Fractures encompass a wide range of broken bones, from incomplete breaks to spiral, compression, segmental, and more. However, fractures are classified in only two ways:

  • Open or Compound: Bone poking through the skin and is visible, or there is a deep wound where the bone is exposed.
  • Closed or Simple: Bone is broken, but the skin remains intact.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a fracture will be different for everyone, but some common symptoms may include:

  • Sudden pain
  • Difficulty using or moving the injured area or nearby joints
  • Inability to bear weight
  • Swelling
  • Noticeable deformity
  • Warmth, bruising, or redness

Treatments

To properly treat a fracture, the bones need time to heal. Treatment for fractures may include:

  • Immobilization with a splint or cast
  • Pain medication
  • Traction, or the use of pulleys, strings, and weights, to help the bone ends realign and heal

Certain types of breaks may require surgical treatment to repair and could involve the installation of metal rods or pins to hold the bones in place. Overall, fractures can take months to properly heal as new bone is formed between the broken pieces.

Dislocation Symptoms & Treatment

Dislocations are specifically injuries to a joint where two or more bones come together. Essentially, the end of the bone is forced from its usual position, leading to temporary deformity and immobilization. This injury is most commonly found in shoulders and fingers, although many also experience dislocated elbows, knees, and hips.

Symptoms

Some common symptoms of a dislocation include:

  • Noticeable deformity
  • Joint appearing out of place
  • Swelling or discoloration around area
  • Intense pain
  • Inability to move the joint

Treatments

Treatment options will depend on the type and severity of the dislocation, but may include:

  • Gentle manipulation
  • Immobilizing the joint with a splint or sling
  • Rest and regular application of ice and heat
  • Pain medication
  • Physical therapy

Typically, most patients are able to resume normal activity after several weeks of rest and rehabilitation, but some joints, like the shoulder, may become more at risk of repeat dislocation. If the injury is fairly severe, the provider is unable to move the bone back to its correct position, or nearby tissues have been damaged, surgery may be recommended.

Only select locations have x-ray availability. Please call ahead to inquire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a fracture and a dislocation?

Fracture: A fracture is a break or crack in a bone, while a dislocation occurs when a bone is forced out of its normal joint position. Both can be painful, but the symptoms and treatments differ.

How do I know if I have a fracture?

Symptoms of a fracture may include sudden pain, difficulty using the injured area, inability to bear weight, swelling, noticeable deformity, warmth, bruising, or redness. If you experience any of these, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly.

What are the common types of fractures?

Fractures can be classified as either open or compound (where the bone pokes through the skin or is visible due to a deep wound) or closed or simple (where the skin remains intact). There are various fracture types, including incomplete breaks, spiral fractures, compression fractures, and segmental fractures.

How are fractures treated?

Treatment for fractures typically involves immobilization with a splint or cast, pain medication, or traction. Some fractures may require surgical intervention to realign and heal properly. The healing process can take several months, depending on the severity.

What are the symptoms of a dislocation?

Symptoms of a dislocation may include noticeable deformity, a joint appearing out of place, swelling, discoloration, intense pain, and an inability to move the joint.

    How are dislocations treated?

    Treatment for dislocations depends on the type and severity. It may involve gentle manipulation, immobilization with a splint or sling, rest, ice and heat application, pain medication, and physical therapy. The recovery period varies, with most patients resuming normal activities after several weeks.

    Can a dislocated joint require surgery?

    In some severe cases, or when the joint cannot be moved back into its correct position, or when nearby tissues are damaged, surgery may be recommended.

      Why choose Midwest Express Clinic for fractures and dislocations?

      At Midwest Express Clinic, we offer timely and effective treatment for fractures and dislocations, avoiding long wait times and high costs associated with the emergency room. Our centers have on-site x-rays and diagnostics to assess injuries, and you can even reserve your spot online for added convenience. Our skilled providers are here to offer expert care on your journey to recovery.

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