A comminuted fracture is when a bone breaks into more than two pieces. A comminuted fracture can occur in any bone. The more fragments that form when the bone is broken, the more severe the trauma is considered to be.
Treatment of comminuted fracture
A comminuted fracture is not always operated on. Some types of comminuted fractures can heal properly without surgery. Treatment of comminuted fractures is decided after the necessary examination and imaging examinations. Treatment of comminuted fractures can be more challenging and longer than for single fractures. If a patient is diagnosed with a comminuted fracture, a temporary half plaster cast (splint) is applied immediately.
Comminuted Fracture Surgery
Comminuted fracture surgery can be more complicated and challenging than simple unipartite fracture surgery. It may require the use of more and more specialized implants to stabilize the comminuted fracture. Comminuted fracture surgery may take longer than simple fracture surgery.
Diagnosis of comminuted fracture
The diagnosis of comminuted fracture is based on X-ray and tomography examinations. It is almost impossible to differentiate between a simple fracture and a comminuted fracture by examination alone. Once a comminuted fracture is diagnosed, the fracture must be fixed with a plaster cast or splint.
How long does a comminuted fracture take to heal?
Although the healing time of comminuted fracture varies according to the fractured bone and fracture type, it is not expected to heal before 2 months. The healing time of comminuted fracture may extend up to 6-9 months. A comminuted fracture usually heals later than a simple one-piece fracture.
Types of Fractures
- Closed (simple) fracture:
In closed fractures, the broken bone ends have not pierced the skin and there is no wound. The bone ends are not separated much from each other. - Open fracture:
One or two of the broken bone ends have come out, there is a wound and bleeding. In open fractures, there is a risk of disability as the nerves are damaged. - Collapsed fracture:
It is a fracture seen in flat bones, such as the head bones. - Complicated fracture:
The broken bone damages the neighboring organ. Rib bones damage the lung. - Wet tree fracture:
Bone integrity is not completely intact. The defect is in one part. It is often seen in children. - Comminuted fracture:
Fractures in which the bone is broken in several places are called comminuted fractures.