In total morbidity, injuries are in third place. Moreover, they are less common in women than twice as in men. But only up to 10% of patients require hospitalization. One of the most common injuries is a fracture of bones and joints. The term "fracture" means a violation of the integrity of the bone. This can happen against the background of an internal pathological process or under external force.
Most often, people break their limbs, because they are on the periphery of the body, therefore they are the most vulnerable. There is also such a thing as a marginal fracture, that is, the separation of a small and flat fragment from the bone.
general description
Fracture of the phalanx of the fingers in both the arms and legs has a favorable prognosis for recovery and further disability. A marginal fracture most often occurs precisely on them.
The clinical picture with such a fracture is quite easy, there is no shock condition. There is swelling and pain in the place where the injury occurred, deformation of the nail plate may be present.
An open fracture can be a danger , since there is a high risk of infection. In such cases, in addition to standard therapy, antibiotic therapy is used. Very rarely have to resort to surgery.
The most severe clinical manifestations of trauma to the coccyx of the pelvic bones, sacrum.
Formation mechanism
A marginal fracture is a deviation of a thin fragment. Such injuries do not pose any danger to human life.
You can get such an injury during sports. For example, when running, a heavy load is placed on the big toes, so it is they who are most often injured.
When falling on the buttocks, a fracture can also occur. This happens against the background of compression of the pelvic bones, and the injury itself is considered direct, that is, all the force from the blow goes to a specific area of the bone.
Main classification
Edge fractures are distinguished due to the appearance of:
- Pathological. Such fractures are the result of a pathology that leads to bone fragility.
- Injuries. Appear with a strong bruise, shock or fall on specific parts of the body.
There are also closed fractures and open fractures. With an open fracture, a wound is formed through which broken or departed bones are visible. With a closed fracture, the skin is not damaged.
Causes of occurrence
In addition to injuries, some diseases can cause fractures, in particular:
- osteomyelitis;
- hyperparathyroidism;
- tuberculosis;
- osteoporosis;
- oncological diseases.
If a person has a chronic disease that periodically worsens, then he has a risk of a fracture. Very rarely, but still the cause of its occurrence is a genetic predisposition, that is, a fragile musculoskeletal system from birth.
But still, a marginal fracture of the phalanx of the finger most often occurs against the background of sports, falls and bumps.
Signs
There is a certain classification that distinguishes a fracture from a bruise, according to which relative signs of a finger fracture and absolute are distinguished. The first category includes the following symptoms:
- the appearance of puffiness;
- hemorrhages in the area of impact, nail plate;
- painful sensations.
Absolute symptoms make it more likely that an edge fracture has occurred:
- Abnormal position of the phalanx of the finger.
- Crunchy sound when pressed on the bone.
- Unnatural movements.
The severity of signs of a fracture of a finger completely depends on the location. It is much more difficult to notice a fracture on the little finger, on the second or fourth toes, on the big toe, as a rule, changes in the bones are clearly visible.
Diagnostics
Like any other doctor’s appointment, it begins with a medical history, the surgeon clarifies whether there was an injury, why the patient suspects that he has a fracture. After this, the patient is examined and probed for the alleged fracture site. Radiography is still the most effective technique for determining a fracture. The picture also allows you to assess the severity of it.
Therapeutic measures
Despite a good prognosis for a marginal fracture, such injuries are still quite painful. Therefore, as a first aid, the patient is given analgesic injections.
The next stage of treatment is the immobilization of the affected part of the body so that the bones grow together as quickly as possible. At this point, the doctor is required to perform the entire procedure as correctly as possible, since the quality of the gypsum application determines how the bones grow together in the future. If this happens incorrectly, then surgical intervention is already required. An elastic bandage can be used instead of gypsum if the injury is minor and requires foot movement. However, when wearing an elastic bandage, all the doctor's recommendations should be followed, since its prolonged use is not recommended.
With minor injury, the patient is recommended to make ice compresses. They can reduce pain and reduce swelling. In the first hours, ice can be applied only for 15 minutes every hour.
Why does the big toe hurt during a fracture? Pain can occur against the background of accumulation in the extremities of the blood. In such cases, it is recommended to raise the leg to a height to ensure fluid outflow. Under the limb, you can put a roller or pillow.
If there were no deviations in the treatment process, then after just one and a half months, a person is fully restored and can lead a familiar lifestyle.
Rehabilitation
After removing the plaster or elastic bandage, it is not recommended for another two months to overexert the damaged limb. That is, you should protect yourself from active and abrupt movements, refuse to engage in sports. If there was a fracture in the leg, then try to stand and walk less. The diet should be supplemented with a sufficient amount of food with calcium and protein.
It is recommended to undergo a course of therapeutic massage, do gymnastics and go to physiotherapy procedures. However, all additional rehabilitation measures should be coordinated with the attending physician.
Prevention
In order to prevent a fracture, one should be careful and if possible avoid falling, bumps. Calcium-rich foods should be present in the diet. It is better to refuse the nutrition that provokes leaching of calcium from the bones, in particular, drink less coffee, alcohol and carbonated drinks.
If, nevertheless, it was not possible to avoid injury, then before determining the fracture, you can drink an anesthetic and urgently go to a medical institution.