Trauma Surgeon Rockhampton

Fracture is the medical term for a broken bone. This can be simply defined as the loss of continuity of the bone. There are many different types of fractures that occur in different age groups and as a result of different mechanisms. Most fractures are associated with a high energy impact such as a fall or accident. Some of the different types of fractures include:

• Open fractures: where there is a break in the skin over the fracture such that the bone is exposed. This is an urgent injury with a high risk of infection that requires prompt surgical treatment.
• Greenstick/buckle fractures: Seen in children who have more malleable (“bendy”) bones that may bend or deform without loss of continuity. These can usually be managed by manipulating the bone into the correct position and holding them there with a plaster cast.
• Growth plate fractures: Where the fracture enters or crosses the growth plate in a child. These require very accurate reduction of the growth plate and can cause the growth plate to close prematurely. This may result in a deformity or shortening of the bone. Long term monitoring is usually required following growth plate fractures.
• Intra-articular fractures: Where the fracture enters a joint, disrupting the smooth cartilage surface. These usually require surgical management to ensure perfect reduction of the joint surface to prevent arthritis in the future from an uneven joint surface.
• Fracture-Dislocations: Where a fracture occurs next to a joint that is also dislocated in the same injury. These are generally very unstable injuries that require surgical management.
• Pathological fracture: Where a fracture occurs through an abnormal area of bone. These can result from very little trauma, as the abnormal bone has lost its normal structure making it fragile.

Dr Gomez treats all types of fractures and traumatic orthopaedic injuries.