Avulsion Fracture - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Fractures are common injuries that everyone experiences at least once in their lifetime. Fractures could be mild or serious and their treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Severe fractures demand surgery and that also involves the use of Orthopedic Implants Plates and other trauma implants depending on the type and severity. There are different types of fractures that people may experience and one of them is an Avulsion fracture. In this post, we will discuss this fracture in detail along with its causes, symptoms, and treatment.

What is Avulsion Fracture?

Avulsion fracture can occur anywhere in the body and it is different from other types of fractures. It is a condition characterized by a condition in which a tendon or ligament that is attached to the bone pulls away a piece of the fractured bone. Avulsion fractures are more common in children when compared to adults. However, adults engaged in athletic activities often experience avulsion fractures. When these fractures occur, your bone moves one way whereas the tendon or ligament moves in the opposite direction with a small piece of bone on it.

What Are the Causes of Avulsion Fractures?

Trauma is the commonest cause of avulsion fractures and based on the fracture pattern, they often take place when the bone moves in one direction and the tendon or ligament in the other direction. Certain groups that experience avulsion fractures include:

Children

Sometimes, growth spurts can result in avulsion fractures. Children who play sports are at high risk of these fractures.

Athletes

Sports activities require high-impact movements like twisting, running, and quick directional changes. This makes athletes highly prone to developing avulsion fractures.

Dancers

In dancers, the risk of avulsion fractures in feet is high. This is because the feet of dancers are put under a lot of stress along with sudden movements. Hence, avulsion fractures may occur.

What Are the Symptoms of Avulsion Fractures?

When a fracture occurs, pain is obvious. Besides pain, other symptoms associated with the condition include:

Swelling

Bruising

Difficulty in moving the affected bone

Pain with the movement

Inability to put weight on the affected leg

What is the Diagnosis of Avulsion Fractures?

When it comes to the diagnosis, it is very important to get the right diagnosis done because in some cases, the condition can be misdiagnosed as muscle strain. The diagnosis of the fracture is made with a physical examination followed by imaging tests.

During the physical examination, the healthcare service provider will look for swelling and bruising in the affected area along with painful movements. After this, the doctor will order an X-ray or MRI to confirm the condition.

What is the Treatment for Avulsion Fractures?

The severity and location of the fracture decide the feasible treatment of the condition. However, in most cases, the fracture can be treated with rest, the application of ice packs, and targeted exercises to strengthen muscles and improve the range of motion.

In severe cases, especially when the bone fragment has pulled away more than a few centimeters, surgery may be needed.

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