When the fracture occurs inside the joint or around it then it is known as a periarticular fracture. Such fractures most commonly occur due to high-energy trauma like automobile accidents, falling from a height, and also due sports-related injuries. Besides this, elderly people are also prone to periarticular fractures due to certain bone-weakening conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis.
When it comes to the most common locations where these fractures occur include joints in the legs arms including knee, ankle, elbow, and wrist. While the knee joint is the commonest of all.
What are the Symptoms of Periarticular Fractures?
As you know that periarticular fractures generally occur due to high-energy trauma thus, the symptoms seen may vary according to the degree of damage. Whilst, the most common symptoms a patient may experience in the case of periarticular fractures could be pain in the affected area along with stiffness, trouble while walking or standing, unstable joint, and inflammation in the connective tissues surrounding the affected joint.
It is seen that periarticular fractures can also damage cartilages and joint tissues thus, there is a risk of developing arthritis. These types of fractures are known to require surgery with the use of orthopedic implants like the Intramedullary Nailing System or Hand Fracture System. But for that, it is advised to visit a specialist surgeon as only he/she can guide the patient to the best possible treatment.
Diagnosing the Periarticular Fracture
Now, when it comes to the diagnosis of periarticular fractures, the orthopedist will first examine the injured area physically to know all the symptoms. Plus, he may also ask certain questions regarding the cause of the injury to identify whether the patient has other complications. After this, an X-ray may be performed to see the location of the fracture. To get better clarity and examine the severity of the condition, the orthopedist may also indicate MRI or CT scan.
Treating the Periarticular Fracture
Non-surgical treatment and surgery are the two ways by which periarticular fracture can be treated. Let us have a look at both of these, one by one:
Non-Surgical Treatment
Surgery is never recommended in case of minor periarticular fractures as the application of a cast or splint may provide optimal support for the natural healing of fractured bone fragments. Besides this, there are certain considerations in case of non-surgical treatment of the fracture:
Medication
To provide relief from the pain, the doctor may prescribe pain medication for a specific period. Analgesics may also be indicated after the surgery to counter pain.
Application of casts or splints
This is known to be one of the most common non-surgical techniques used for the treatment of periarticular fractures and other fractures as well. Based on the condition of the injury site, the orthopedist may suggest the application of a splint or cast to immobilize the fracture while allowing correct healing of the fracture.
Use of walking aids
Walking aids are generally indicated when the fracture involves the knee or hip joint. This is done to prevent the patient from bearing weight on the affected knee or hip joint.
Closed reduction
In closed reduction, the fractured bone is realigned without any surgical technique. It is most commonly carried out after giving anesthesia to the patient.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy may also be indicated along with other treatment techniques to restore the normal movement of the joint along with strength.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment is the choice in case of severe fractures where optimum stability cannot be achieved with the use of a splint or a cast. Just like non-surgical procedure, there are certain options in surgical treatment as well:
Open reduction and internal fixation
In this procedure, the surgeon realigns fractured bone fragments in their correct anatomy after making an incision in the affected area. With this, the use of trauma implants like IM Nail or Hand Plating System depending upon the location and severity of the fracture is also done to hold realigned bone fragments in their position while they heal.
To get orthopedic devices like Intramedullary Nailing System, Locking Hand System, and other trauma implants, connect with one of the best Orthopedic Products Manufacturers i.e. Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd.
Osteotomy
In certain cases, osteotomy is the choice of surgery where the joint is reshaped for optimal functioning.
Bone Grafting
This is done to fill any gaps between the fractured bones by placing healthy bone tissues. The graft can be achieved from the patient or a donor.
Joint Replacement
When the fracture is severe resulting in the complete damage of the end of fractured bones, joint replacement surgery is done to ensure the proper functioning of the joint after surgery.
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