Broken bones, also known as fractures, are among the most common injuries treated in urgent care centers. These injuries can occur in various situations, from sports and recreational activities to everyday accidents.
Understanding the most common types of broken bones and when to seek urgent care can help you respond quickly and effectively if you or someone you know experiences a fracture.
In this blog post, we cover the most common broken bones and how urgent care can help sooner. Visit us today for urgent care treatment or continue reading below to learn more about broken bone care.
What Bone is Most Commonly Broken?
The clavicle or collarbone is the most commonly broken bone in the human body. This bone is particularly vulnerable because it is between the shoulder blade and the ribcage, making it prone to breaking during falls, sports injuries, or car accidents.
Other commonly broken bones include:
- Wrist (specifically the radius)
- Ankle
- Forearm (both the radius and ulna)
What are the Different Types of Broken Bones?
Broken bones can vary in severity and type.
The most common types of fractures include:
- Simple (Closed) Fracture: The bone is broken, but the skin remains intact.
- Compound (Open) Fracture: The broken bone pierces through the skin, creating an open wound. This type requires immediate medical attention to prevent infection.
- Greenstick Fracture: A partial fracture where the bone bends but does not break completely. This is more common in children due to their softer bones.
- Comminuted Fracture: The bone shatters into three or more pieces, often requiring surgery to repair.
- Transverse Fracture: A break that occurs at a right angle to the bone's axis, resulting in a horizontal fracture line.
- Oblique Fracture: A fracture that occurs at an angle across the bone.
- Stress Fracture: A small crack in the bone, often caused by repetitive force or overuse, common in athletes.
What Causes a Broken Bone?
Broken bones can be caused by various incidents, typically involving a force that the bone cannot withstand.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Falls: A sudden fall, especially onto an outstretched hand, can result in fractures, particularly in the wrist, arm, or hip.
- Sports Injuries: High-impact sports such as football, soccer, or skiing can lead to broken bones due to collisions, falls, or sudden twists.
- Car Accidents: The force of a collision can cause fractures in various parts of the body, including the ribs, legs, and arms.
- Osteoporosis: This condition weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures, even from minor stresses like bending over or coughing.
- Repetitive Stress: Overuse of certain body parts, especially in activities like running or jumping, can lead to stress fractures in bones such as the shin or foot.
Can You Go to Urgent Care for Broken Bones?
Yes, you can go to urgent care for broken bones, especially if they are not life-threatening.
Urgent care centers like ClearChoiceMD are well-equipped to handle minor to moderate fractures, providing quick assessment and treatment.
However, for severe fractures, such as compound fractures or those involving major trauma, it’s advisable to go directly to the emergency room.
Does Urgent Care Do X-Rays for Broken Bones?
Yes, ClearChoiceMD urgent care centers offer X-ray services, which are essential for diagnosing broken bones.
X-rays allow our healthcare providers to see the exact location and severity of the fracture, which is critical for determining the appropriate treatment plan.
Having X-ray capabilities on-site means receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment in a single visit.
We recommend calling ahead to confirm if X-ray is available on the day of your visit.
Can Urgent Care Cast Broken Bones?
Yes, urgent care centers can cast many types of broken bones.
After diagnosing the fracture with an X-ray, the medical team can apply a cast or splint to immobilize the bone and promote proper healing.
In cases where a simple cast is insufficient, or the fracture is more complicated, an urgent care provider may refer you to an orthopedic specialist for further treatment.
Prompt and Expert Care for Broken Bones in Your Neighborhood
When a broken bone requires immediate care, ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care is ready to help.
With extended hours and walk-in availability, we ensure you receive swift, expert treatment without unnecessary delays. Our priority is to support your recovery, allowing you to get back to your daily activities as quickly and safely as possible.
Locate your nearest ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care center, and trust us to handle your broken bone with the professional care and attention you deserve.
