Fractures Specialist

Car accidents, falls, and sports injuries are common causes of fractures or broken bones. Orthopedic surgeon Sevag Bastian, MD, in Glendale, California, treats adults and children with fractures, using non-surgical or surgical methods when appropriate. If you think that you or a loved one has a fracture, call or book an appointment online today.

What are fractures?

A fracture is a complete or partial break in a bone. Your bones can break in many ways, including crosswise, lengthwise, and diagonally. Some fractures may crush the bone into multiple pieces. 

Fractures can be open or closed. A closed fracture means the bone is broken, but the skin remains intact. An open fracture involves a break in the skin. The bone may poke through the skin, or you may be able to see it through a deep wound. 

An open fracture is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. If you have an open fracture, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

What causes fractures?

Fractures occur when a bone meets more force than it can bear. Trauma, such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury, is the most common cause of fractures. 

Other common causes include overuse from repetitive motions like running long distances and osteoporosis, a medical condition that weakens your bones and leaves them more susceptible to fractures. 

How do I know if I have a fracture?

Most fractures cause severe pain immediately after the injury. The pain may prevent you from moving or bearing weight on the injured bone. Other signs and symptoms of a fracture include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• A bone or joint that appears out of place 

Fracture symptoms are similar to those of other injuries, such as sprains and strains. If you think you may have a fracture, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis from an expert like Dr. Bastian. 

How are fractures diagnosed and treated?

First, Dr. Bastian performs a physical exam to assess your overall condition and the extent of your injury. He asks about how the injury occurred as well as your symptoms and medical history. He may also take an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis and determine the exact type and location of the fracture.

Then, he recommends the best course of treatment for your specific fracture. Fracture care may include traction to bring the bones into alignment and immobilization in a cast or functional brace. 

Complex fractures may need surgery, such as external fixation or open reduction and internal fixation. These procedures use screws, rods, or metal plates to hold the bones in their normal alignment. 

If your fracture is especially severe, Dr. Bastian may need to perform a total joint replacement procedure. Any type of fracture care involves physical therapy and rehabilitation.

For excellent care of fractures, call Sevag Bastian, MD, or book an appointment online today.