Long-Term Effects of Bone Fractures (2024)

FAQs

What are the long-term effects of bone fractures? ›

Decreased Strength and Increased Discomfort

Another common long-term impact of a bone fracture is decreased strength around the site of a fracture and increased discomfort.

Fracture complications such as excessive bleeding or soft tissue compromise, infection, neurovascular injury, the presence of complex bone injury, such as crushing or splintering, and severe soft tissue trauma will clearly prolong and possibly hinder or prevent this healing process.

Delayed complications include delayed union and nonunion, avascular necrosis of bone, reaction to internal fixation devices, complex regional pain syndrome, and heterotrophic ossification.

The physical toll can be tremendous, but what's often overlooked is the emotional pain associated with a broken bone. People who are injured often feel sad, depressed, or even angry after their injury — and most of the time, they can't explain why. This is attributed to broken bone depression.

In a nonhealing fracture, bones don't produce new tissue. A fracture in which the bone does produce new tissue but does so very slowly—over months—is called a delayed union. In some instances, the broken bone heals but may not be completely straight. This is called a malunited fracture.

Pulmonary embolism is the most common severe complication of serious fractures of the hip or pelvis. It occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein, breaks off (becoming an embolus), travels to a lung, and blocks an artery there. As a result, the body may not get enough oxygen.

“While relatively uncommon, it is possible for an old bone break to cause pain,” says Lindsay Maier, M.D., an orthopedic trauma surgeon at Henry Ford Health. “It's more likely to occur within the first year and a half after a break – but it could also happen several years later.

Compound fractures are urgent situations because of the high risk of infection, tissue damage, and healing complications. All high-energy fractures, including compound fractures, are at risk for another serious associated condition called compartment syndrome.

Broken bones usually heal and get strong again, but not always. When broken bones don't heal back together it is call non-union, and that can cause a lot of problems. Here are some things that you can do to help broken bones heal well: Do not smoke cigarettes or vape.

What happens when you break a bone and don't fix it? ›

Furthermore, an untreated fracture can lead to life-threatening complications if the bone has pierced the skin, known as an open fracture. This is because the injury will damage the surrounding tissue and blood vessels. The tissue will become deficient in oxygen, resulting in a condition called gangrene.

Bone infection (osteomyelitis): If you have an open fracture (the bone breaks through your skin) you have an increased risk of bacterial infection. Other internal damage: Fractures can damage the area around the injury including your muscles, nerves, blood vessels, tendons and ligaments.

Bone facts: The 5 most common broken bones are the humerus, the tibia, the ulna, the fibula, and the radius. Most painful break: That would be the femur bone. Top 5 causes of fractures is all sports, snowboarding, monkey bars, trampolines, and scooters.

Some nondisplaced long bone fractures can be treated conservatively, but consultation with an orthopedist is generally recommended. Potential life-threatening complications include acute compartment syndrome, fat embolism, and hemorrhage.

The signs of nerve damage include the following: Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Feeling like you're wearing a tight glove or sock. Muscle weakness, especially in your arms or legs.

Most people who break a bone make a full recovery and can resume their typical routine after their bone heals. Some fractures can have a long-term impact on your life, especially if you experienced other injuries.

Most fractures heal with restoration of bone and joint function. Disability is generally temporary in these instances, and there is no permanent impairment to be rated in the majority of cases.