Published May 11, 2011 | 
Avulsion fracture
Are you worried with your avulsion fracture ? Have you tried different kinds of treatments? Do you what is best treatment for avulsion fracture? Let review them in this article.
An avulsion fracture is a bone fracture which occurs when a fragment of bone tears away from the main mass of bone as a result of physical trauma . Avulsion fracture can occur at the ligament due to the application forces external to the body (such as a fall or pull) or at the tendon due to a muscular contraction that is stronger than the forces holding the bone together. Generally muscular avulsion is prevented due to the neurological limitations placed on muscular contractions. Highly trained athletes can overcome this neurological inhibition of strength and produce a much greater force output capable of breaking or avulsing a bone.
Avulsion Fracture Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of avulsion fracture include swelling, severe pain, and inability to move the affected area. Avulsion fracture can be diagnosed through x-ray, ultrasound, and MRI . The treatment of avulsion fractures largely depend on the site of fracture, severity of tear and bone displacement. Avulsion fracture generally heals on adequate rest & through supporting bandage without the need of a surgery in young individuals. However, surgery may be required in severe conditions.
Avulsion Fracture Causes
Avulsion fracture is usually found to occur at the ligament due to some external forces like fall or pull and at tendons due to the muscular contractions that are stronger enough as compared to the forces holding the bones. Avulsion fractures mainly occur at the projections called apophyses where tendons and ligaments attach to the bones like area around the pelvis, elbow, wrist, ankle and foot . Avulsion fracture is one of the common fractures that tend to occur in adolescents, young adults, athletes, and dancers.
Generally avulsion fracture is prevented due to the neurological limitations placed on muscle contractions. Highly trained athletes can overcome this neurological inhibition of strength and produce a much greater force output capable of breaking or avulsing a bone.
Avulsion Fracture Treatment
If the fracture is small, it is usually sufficient to treat with rest and support bandage, but in more severe cases surgery may be required. Ice may be used to relieve swelling.
Make an appointment with your doctor. A follow-up appointment should have been made after the diagnosis of an avulsion fracture to evaluate healing. Depending on the severity of the fracture, surgery may be necessary, but that is rarely the case. If pain or swelling becomes severe, contact your physician, as there are prescription pain relief options.
Get plenty of rest. Limiting the use of the bone that has sustained injury and has been diagnosed as having an avulsion fracture is key to the healing process. Avulsion fractures can happen anywhere tendons and ligaments attach to bone. The affected area should be given plenty of rest and should be elevated if possible to reduce swelling and pain, and further promote healing.
