Common Types of Orthopedic Injuries

The term orthopedics is used to refer to the medical treatment of bones and the connecting tissue. Nearly every person on the face of the planet will have some sort of orthopedic problem throughout the course of their life.

Although there are countless types of specific orthopedic injuries, there are a few relatively common and recurring ones as well. Some of the most common orthopedic injuries are listed here.

Sprains and Strains

Two of the most common types of orthopedic injuries are sprains and strains, and they are often the least severe. In general, most sprains and strains heal relatively easily and quickly. Although these two terms are often used interchangeably, they are actually different.

Sprains occur when the ligaments between two bones becomes damaged. This can include stretched, torn, or ruptured ligaments. Strains, on the other hand, occur when the muscle or tendon holding the bone to the muscle is damaged.

Depending on the severity of the sprain or strain, the attention of a medical professional may or may not be necessary. Less severe injuries of these types may simply heal with rest and ice compresses. More severe injuries, however, such as ruptured ligaments or tendons, will usually require treatment by an orthopedic specialist. In some cases, surgery may even be required.

Dislocations

Dislocations occur when the head, or end, of a bone pops out of its natural position in a joint. The severity of these types of injuries can vary - some dislocations occur when the bone pops partially out of place, for instance. More severe dislocations, on the other hand, occur when the head of the bone pops completely out of place.

Dislocations are often very painful, and they usually require the attention of an orthopedic specialist. These professionals are often experienced in putting a bone back into place, with minimal pain and damage.

Fractures

Fractures are another very common type of orthopedic injury. These occur when a bone cracks or breaks. Nearly every fracture can be categorized as a simple or compound fracture. Simple fractures - sometimes referred to as closed fractures - occur when a bone just breaks and does not protrude through the skin. Compound fractures - sometimes referred to as open fractures - occur when a bone breaks and moves out of alignment so that it can be seen poking out of the skin.

There are also several variations of these two basic types of fractures as well. For instance, transverse fractures occur when a bone breaks straight across, but a displaced fracture occurs when the broken ends of the bone have moved away from each other. A hairline fracture is generally the least severe, and this occurs when there is a small crack in a bone. A comminuted fracture, on the other hand, is very severe; this occurs when a bone has broken into several pieces.

In general, a fracture will usually require the help of an orthopedic professional. Casts are typically the most common treatment option for fractures. In some cases, the ends of a fractured bone may need to be put back in place before a cast can be used. Very severe fractures, including compound fractures and comminuted fractures, will often require surgery.