What is a Spiral Fracture?
A spiral fracture is a specific kind of bone fracture that occurs via a twisting movement on a bone and leaves a fracture line that resembles a corkscrew. Spiral fractures often affect long bones in the human body. Among the most prevalent are:
- Femur
- Tibia
- Fibula
- Talus
- Humerus
- Radius
- Ulna
- Phalanges
- Metacarpals
Spiral fractures often result from falls or other traumatic impacts. Surgical intervention may be necessary to remedy your bone damage. Duration of complete recovery is contingent upon the specific bones that have been shattered and the underlying cause of the fractures. The recovery process from a spiral fracture typically takes several months for most individuals.
This guide by experts from Friendswood Community Hospital entails information regarding the types, causes, symptoms, and treatment of spiral fractures. Continue reading for more information!
What Are the Types of Spiral Fractures
The classification of spiral fractures is contingent upon their degree of severity. The 4 main types of spiral fractures include:
- Displaced spiral fractures. This fracture is characterized by the displacement and misalignment of bone pieces and may need realignment and fixation.
- Non-displaced spiral fractures. In this particular kind of fracture, the bone pieces maintain their original orientation, and the fracture has the potential to mend spontaneously without the need for realignment or surgical intervention.
- Closed End Spiral fractures. Fractures of this kind occur when the bone fractures without effectively penetrating the skin, therefore retaining the shattered bone inside the body.
- Open Spiral Fractures. Alternatively referred to as compound fractures, these fractures result in the penetration of the shattered bone through the skin.
What Are Some of The Symptoms of Spiral Fractures?
The symptoms resulting from spiral fractures might differ based on the specific site and extent of the fracture. Typical symptoms of spiral fractures include:
- This is the most prevalent symptom among all fractures, including spiral fractures. Intense, localized pain that is exacerbated by movement or pressure on the afflicted region.
- Restricted Range of Motion. A spiral fracture can restrict the typical range of motion of the afflicted limb, therefore impeding movement and the ability to carry out everyday tasks.
- Bruising and Swelling. Swelling and bruising may manifest near the afflicted region due to the body’s reaction to the injury, resulting in inflammation and fluid accumulation.
- The misalignment of bone fragments in displaced spiral fractures may lead to a noticeable deformity or an atypical appearance of the afflicted limb.
- The location of the fracture may exhibit tenderness upon touch, and applying pressure may result in discomfort and acute pain.
- Tingling or Numbness. In some cases, nerve damage may occur following spiral fractures, which might result in numbness or paralysis in the affected limb.
What Are Some of The Causes of Spiral Fractures?
Some of the typical causes of spiral fractures include:
- Twisting injuries – Often caused by sports activities or accidents where the body rotates while the limb stays stationary.
- Falls – Particularly from heights, where twisting occurs during the fall.
- Motor vehicle accidents – Sudden forceful twisting of limbs during collisions.
- Physical abuse – Non-accidental trauma, especially in children.
- Skiing or snowboarding accidents – Sudden twisting of the leg while the foot is anchored in a ski or snowboard.
Treatment Spiral Fractures
When spiral fractures occur, the shattered bone usually has distinctive sharp edges, which may impede the healing process. Moreover, the damage might result in the detachment of bone pieces, adding further complexity to the treatment process. Hence, the therapeutic approach will differ based on the fracture’s extent and the bone’s stability or displacement.
Treatment For a Stable Spiral Fracture
The standard approach for managing a stable spiral fracture is to immobilize the bone using a cast for a period of four to six weeks.
Treatment For a Displaced Spiral Fracture
Given the jagged bones that characterize a displaced spiral fracture, surgical intervention is virtually always necessary for therapy. The orthopedic surgeon will perform an open reduction surgery. You will be administered general anesthesia for this surgical procedure. Your physician will next make an incision in the affected area to realign the bone pieces.
The physician maintains ongoing assessment of the severity of the injury throughout the surgical procedure. They may also assess and provide medical care for damages to the adjacent blood vessels or muscles. Following the realignment of the broken bone, your doctor may use pins, rods, or screws to anchor it in place. The gadgets in question may be either temporary or permanent.
Get Expert Treatment for Spiral Fractures at Friendswood Community Hospital in Friendswood, TX!
Although spiral fractures may seem frightening, we can guarantee that the doctors, surgeons, and other experts at Friendswood Community Hospital will promptly facilitate your return to functional activities. Visit our hospital or call us if you suspect that you may have a spiral fracture. We’ll subject you to diagnostic imaging tests, including bone scans, for accurate diagnosis. You can also seek guidance from our healthcare professionals on maintaining optimal bone strength and health and schedule periodic bone density scans if you are over the age of 50 or have a familial predisposition to osteoporosis. Call us today!
