Friday, February 3, 2023

Avulsion fracture — fracture that occurs when a ligament or tendon pulls off a sliver of the bone.

 

What is an avulsion fracture?

An avulsion fracture is where a small piece of bone attached to a tendon or ligament gets pulled away from the main part of the bone. Ligaments hold your bones, joints and organs in place while tendons connect muscles and bones. In an avulsion fracture, your bone moves one way and your tendon or ligament moves in the opposite direction with a broken chunk of bone in tow. This most often happens when you suddenly change direction.


An avulsion fracture can happen to any bone that’s connected to a tendon or ligament. The bones that are most at-risk of an avulsion fracture include:

              * Elbow bones.
              * Ankle and foot bones.
              * Knee bones.
              * Finger and wrist bones.
              * Pelvis and hip bones.
              * Spine bones.

Are avulsion fractures serious?

You might wonder if your injury is serious enough to go to the emergency department. It’s understandably difficult to figure out if your symptoms warrant urgent treatment. But any fracture is serious, including avulsion fractures. Take care of yourself by heading to the emergency department if you think you broke a bone. Professional medical treatment ensures that you'll heal safely and return to your regular routine.

Who do avulsion fractures affect?

People frequently incurring avulsion fractures are athletes and performers such as football players, ballet dancers, gymnasts and skiers. Their activities can involve a lot of sudden changes in direction, leaping and kicking.

However, avulsion fractures can occur in anyone, with injuries similar to sprains such as a twisted ankle.

Avulsion fractures are painful, and an inability to play your favorite sports or do another treasured activity can be painful as well. If you think you’re having issues with your mental or emotional health, let your healthcare provider know. Treatment can help you get through this difficult time.

What causes avulsion fractures?

Playing sports comes with risks. Contact sports like lacrosse, boxing and football, for example, are the most common causes of avulsion fractures. It’s because contact sports involve movements that stress your limbs, such as:

              * Suddenly changing direction.
              * Sprinting.
              * Kicking.
              * Leaping.
              * Falling on an outstretched hand.
              * Suddenly accelerating (getting faster) or suddenly decelerating (going slower).
              * Hitting, as in a boxer or a defensive lineman in a football game hitting an offensive lineman to protect the quarterback.
Sliding, as in a baseball or softball player sliding into home base.






What are the symptoms of avulsion fractures?

After sudden, severe pain, the most common symptoms of avulsion fractures include:

               * Bruising.
               * Swelling.
               * Muscle pain.
               * A popping or cracking sound.
               * Pain that spreads to nearby parts of your body.
               * Limping or an inability to walk, if the broken bone is in or near your leg.
               * Difficulty moving your limb.

Speak with your healthcare provider about all your symptoms. It’s helpful for them to know every detail. You can help them figure out the best treatment plan for you by providing as much information as possible.

#musculoskeletal trauma
#spine diseases
#sports injuries
#degenerative diseases
#congenital disorders
#Lancet
#Arthroplasty
#Injury
#Shoulder surgery
#Elbow Surgery
#Spine
#Bone
#Knee

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