The easiest and least painful bone to break
The easiest and least painful bone to break can be painful, but not all bones are equally difficult to break. Here are some tips for avoiding breaking one of your bones. Bones are made up of many smaller bones. Regardless of their location, any bone can be broken, but certain bones are more likely to break than others. The five bones listed below are among the most commonly broken.
Distal radius
A distal radius fracture is one of the most common sports injuries, but it’s often underdiagnosed. This is partly due to the confusing terminology associated with the condition. A distal radius fracture can be classified into four subtypes based on its location and type. X-ray images help doctors determine the type of fracture, and if the bone is healing well, pins and splints are removed. The injured person will then undergo physiotherapy to regain range of motion and strength. In severe cases, failure to complete physiotherapy may result in stiffness and loss of function.
Surgery is often required if the fracture is more complicated or the position of the fracture is not optimal. In some cases, a distal radial fracture is non-union and can be treated non-surgically. In other cases, the fracture can have a significant impact on the wrist and needs to be repaired surgically.
Most fractures of the distal radius occur from trauma. The injury usually causes pain in the forearm and wrist and results in swelling. In severe cases, the wrist may deform. The affected person will also experience bruising. While a distal radial fracture usually requires no surgery, if the pain prevents normal arm movement, a trip to the emergency room is recommended.
Distal radial fractures can also be associated with a broken ulna. The ulnar styloid, which is part of the TFCC ligament complex, acts as a stabilizing anchor between the distal radius and ulna.
Ankle
The ankle is one of the easiest and least painful bone to break. X-rays can reveal cracks and chips in the bone. The fracture may also break through the growth plate. A computed tomography scan can reveal fracture fragments and soft tissue damage that X-rays may not show. If your ankle is broken, it will be important to follow up with your doctor regularly to ensure that your fracture is healing properly.
Although ankle fractures can be painful, most injuries only require minimal medical treatment. Immobilization and rest will help reduce the pain. Several weeks of non-weight-bearing activity can help the ankle heal. Most simple fractures will heal completely on their own after four to eight weeks. Severe fractures, however, may take months to heal, and they may require surgery. In addition to causing pain and discomfort, ankle fractures can also increase the risk of arthritis.
While breaking a bone can be painful, the ankle is one of the easiest bones to break. Unlike other bones, the ankle is a soft bone, making it easy to heal quickly. A skilled medical team can treat you quickly, manage pain, and provide immediate treatment to reset your bone. They will also help you determine whether you will need further treatment, such as surgery, and provide recommendations for the best long-term outcome.
Surgical treatment is usually necessary if the fracture has caused instability. Surgery can also be necessary to repair damaged ligaments and restore your ankle joint. Ankle fractures can result in additional complications, including osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to the recovery process and to prevent further injury.
Hand
There are many bones in the hand, and each bone acts as a support structure and point of attachment for the muscles of the fingers and wrist. When a force is applied to a bone, it can break, causing pain, swelling, and a decrease in the use of the injured part. Different types of fractures are possible, including stable fractures and dislocations of the joint surface.
Hand fractures are a serious problem and should be treated immediately. Delaying treatment can make a fracture more difficult to treat and less likely to heal. Surgical treatment is often needed to realign the broken bone. It is important to follow the recommendations of a hand surgeon.
Most common fractures occur in the wrist. These injuries typically involve pain, swelling, and sensitivity to touch. The pain may increase when the hand is closed or when it is squeezed. In some cases, you may be able to use the digits without much discomfort. The key is an accurate diagnosis by a medical professional, and prompt treatment will speed up the healing process.
Open fractures should be covered with clean, sterile gauze. In severe cases, X-rays may be needed to assess the extent of the damage. In addition, if the fracture is a result of an injury to the growth plate, an orthopedic consult may be needed.
Spine
The spine is made up of 33 bones, called vertebrae, which provide the main support for the body. It also contains a spinal canal, which protects the spinal cord, and transmits messages between the brain and body. From the spinal cord, spinal nerves branch out to all parts of the body. Broken vertebrae can cause serious problems because they can prevent normal movement. It can also increase the risk of another fracture.
The initial diagnosis of a spinal fracture starts with a physical examination and a review of the patient’s medical history. If it is suspected that the spine has been broken, an x-ray may be ordered to determine the extent of the injury. Other imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, are also available to give doctors detailed pictures of the bones. An x-ray can show fractures in bony vertebrae, as well as abnormal movements.
If the fracture is not serious enough to require surgery, a doctor may opt for a minimally invasive procedure known as vertebroplasty. This procedure involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body to stabilize the bone. This type of surgery has been shown to reduce pain and prevent deformity.
Another common bone to break is the collarbone. About 5% of bone fractures are caused by the collarbone, and repairing a broken collarbone requires immobilization of the shoulder and physical therapy.
Scapula
Because the scapula is covered by a protective muscle, a fracture of the scapula will rarely require surgery. Treatment for a scapula fracture may involve ice or pain medication, and immobilization in a sling for about two weeks. This helps to reduce swelling. A sling is worn for the first two weeks after injury and should be removed when the range of motion increases. Surgery is generally reserved for fractures that affect the shoulder joint or additional bones of the clavicle. Surgery may involve the use of screws or plates to repair fracture fragments.
Fractures to the scapula are usually the result of direct trauma to the shoulder and are accompanied by pain, swelling, and bruising. A doctor can diagnose a broken scapula through a thorough physical examination and imaging. An MRI or CT scan of the shoulder can also help identify other injuries and a broken shoulder.
While a scapula break can cause a considerable amount of pain, it is often relatively minor compared to the pain felt in a clavicle fracture. It’s often the result of a fall or a knock on the shoulder, and a fracture of the clavicle can also affect nearby nerves.
Thankfully, most scapular fractures heal without the need for surgery. In some cases, a sling will be enough to support the broken scapula. Other fractures may require surgery to realign the broken scapula and fix it with metal screws and plates.
Stress fractures
A stress fracture is the easiest and least painful bone to break. The pain will usually be felt around the bone, but it can also affect nearby areas. These fractures often take many months to heal, and the pain can interfere with your ability to move. Treatment for these fractures is different, depending on the severity and location of your fracture. In most cases, treatment for stress fractures is nonsurgical and does not require surgery.
Before you can be diagnosed with a stress fracture, your doctor will need to look at your health history and activities. The doctor will want to know about your lifestyle, work, and any medications you may be taking. Your doctor may also want to know about any risks you have for breaking a bone. Depending on the severity of your stress fracture, your doctor may perform a full medical checkup, including X-rays and lab tests.
While stress fractures are very common in new exercisers, they can occur in more experienced athletes as well. The most common way that people develop stress fractures is by doing too much, too soon. When runners are back in training after winter breaks, they often rush to resume training at previous mileage levels without giving their bodies the chance to recover.
Stress fractures heal quickly if treated properly. However, it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and avoid activities that put unnecessary stress on the affected area. This can cause further damage to the bone and slow its healing process.