Overview
A fracture refers to a break or crack in a bone, often caused by trauma, accidents, falls, or underlying medical conditions such as osteoporosis. Fractures range from minor cracks to severe breaks that penetrate through the skin. They are one of the most common orthopedic emergencies worldwide.
In Korea, orthopedic medicine is highly advanced, with state-of-the-art imaging (MRI, CT scans, 3D X-rays), minimally invasive fixation techniques, advanced bone grafting, and robotic-assisted surgery widely available. The country is known for its excellent outcomes in fracture management, including rapid emergency response, innovative surgical methods, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs.
What is a Fracture?
A fracture occurs when a bone’s strength is exceeded by external force or weakened by disease. Fractures may be classified as:
- Closed fracture – bone is broken but does not pierce the skin
- Open (compound) fracture – bone protrudes through the skin, risk of infection is high
- Incomplete fracture – bone cracks but does not break completely
- Comminuted fracture – bone shatters into multiple pieces
- Greenstick fracture – common in children, bone bends and partially breaks
Symptoms
- Sudden, severe pain at the injury site
- Swelling, bruising, and tenderness
- Deformity or unusual angle of the limb
- Inability to move or bear weight
- Grinding sound (crepitus) when moving the affected area
- Bone protrusion in open fractures
- Shock symptoms (pale, rapid breathing, fainting) in severe cases
Causes
- Trauma: road traffic accidents, falls, sports injuries
- Overuse: repetitive stress leading to stress fractures
- Medical conditions: osteoporosis, bone tumors, or metabolic bone diseases
- High-impact injuries: industrial accidents or military training
- Childhood activity: running, climbing, and play-related accidents
Risk Factors
- Age: children (more prone to falls) and elderly (weakened bones)
- Osteoporosis and other bone-weakening diseases
- High-risk sports (football, skiing, martial arts)
- Occupational hazards: construction, factory work
- Poor nutrition (low calcium/vitamin D intake)
- Previous fractures (weakened bones at injury site)
Complications
- Infection (especially in open fractures)
- Malunion (bones heal incorrectly)
- Nonunion (failure of bone to heal)
- Nerve or blood vessel injury near the fracture site
- Compartment syndrome (dangerous swelling that cuts off blood supply)
- Osteoarthritis (if joint surfaces are affected)
- Long-term disability or limited mobility if not treated properly
Prevention
- Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake for bone health
- Weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones
- Use of safety equipment (helmets, protective gear, seatbelts)
- Fall-prevention strategies for the elderly (grab bars, safe flooring)
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol (which weaken bones)
- Regular bone density testing for those at risk of osteoporosis
Treatment Options in Korea
Diagnosis
Korean hospitals use advanced tools for precise fracture evaluation:
- X-ray: standard for fracture detection
- CT scan or MRI: for complex or hidden fractures
- Bone scans: for stress fractures or bone disease-related fractures
Medical Treatments
- Immobilization: casting, splints, or braces to stabilize the bone
- Traction: gently aligning bones using weights and pulleys
- Pain management: NSAIDs, opioids (for severe cases)
- Bone-strengthening medication: bisphosphonates for osteoporosis-related fractures
Surgical or Advanced Therapies
- Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): using plates, screws, or rods to align bones
- External fixation: external metal frames stabilize the fracture while healing
- Intramedullary nailing: rod placed inside the bone shaft for long-bone fractures
- Bone grafting & stem cell therapy: used for non-healing or severe bone loss
- Robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery: available in leading Korean hospitals for precise bone alignment and faster recovery
Rehabilitation and Support
- Physical therapy: restoring movement, strength, and flexibility
- Occupational therapy: adapting daily activities for recovery
- Nutritional support: diet rich in calcium, protein, and vitamin D
- Psychological support: managing trauma or fear after severe accidents
- Long-term follow-up: monitoring for complications like arthritis or bone weakness
