Fracture vs. Dislocation: Differences, Diagnosis, and Best Homeopathic Remedies

Fracture

A fracture is a break in the continuity of a bone. It can be complete or incomplete, simple or compound, and may be caused by trauma, pathological conditions, or repetitive stress.

Classification of Fractures

1. According to the plane of fracture
• Transverse fracture: Perpendicular to the bone axis.
• Oblique fracture: Fracture line runs at an angle to the bone.
• Spiral fracture: A twisting injury leads to a helical fracture.
• Comminuted fracture: Bone breaks into more than two fragments.
2. According to the cause of fracture
• Traumatic fracture: Due to direct or indirect injury.
• Pathological fracture: Occurs due to underlying disease (e.g., osteoporosis, tumors, rickets).
• Stress fracture: Due to repeated microtrauma, common in athletes.
3. According to number of fractures in bone
• Single fracture: Only one break in the bone.
• Multiple fractures: More than one break in the same bone.
4. According to involvement of soft tissue
• Simple (closed) fracture: Bone breaks but does not penetrate the skin.
• Compound (open) fracture: Bone breaks and penetrates through the skin, increasing infection risk.
5. According to displacement
• Undisplaced fracture: Bone fragments remain aligned.
• Displaced fracture: Bone fragments shift from their normal position.
6. According to completeness
• Complete fracture: Bone is broken all the way through.
• Incomplete fracture: Bone is only partially broken (e.g., Greenstick fracture in children).
7. Special Types of Fractures
• Greenstick fracture: Incomplete fracture seen in children.
• Impacted fracture: One bone fragment is driven into another.
• Compression fracture: Seen in vertebrae due to osteoporosis.
• Pathological fracture: Occurs in weak bones due to disease.

Clinical Features of Fracture

• Pain: Severe at the site of injury.
• Swelling: Due to soft tissue injury and hematoma formation.
• Deformity: Abnormal shape or angulation of the affected limb.
• Loss of function: The patient cannot move the affected part.
• Crepitus: A grating sensation when bone fragments rub together.
• Tenderness: Pain on palpation.

Management of Fractures

General Management

1. Immobilization: Prevents movement of the fractured part.
2. Pain Management: Analgesics and sedation.
3. Reduction: Aligning the bone fragments properly.
4. Retention: Maintaining alignment using plaster casts, splints, or internal fixation.
5. Rehabilitation: Physical therapy to regain strength and function.

Types of Reduction

• Closed reduction: Manipulation under anesthesia without surgery.
• Open reduction: Surgical correction using plates, screws, or rods.

Fixation Methods

• External fixation: Casts, splints, or traction.
• Internal fixation: Plates, screws, nails, and rods (e.g., Interlocking Nail for femur fractures).

Dislocation

A dislocation is the displacement of bone ends at a joint, leading to loss of normal articulation.

Types of Dislocation

1. Traumatic Dislocation – Due to injury (e.g., shoulder dislocation).
2. Congenital Dislocation – Present at birth (e.g., congenital dislocation of the hip).
3. Pathological Dislocation – Due to underlying diseases (e.g., joint destruction in tuberculosis).
4. Recurrent Dislocation – Happens repeatedly due to weak ligaments or previous injury.

Clinical Features of Dislocation

• Pain at the affected joint.
• Swelling and deformity of the joint.
• Loss of function – The patient cannot move the affected joint.
• Shortening of the limb in some cases.

Management of Dislocation

1. Reduction – The dislocated joint is manipulated back into its normal position.
2. Immobilization – A splint, sling, or cast is used for stability.
3. Rehabilitation – Strengthening exercises to prevent recurrence.
4. Surgical intervention – If reduction is unsuccessful, surgery may be required.

Common Fractures & Dislocations

Colles’ Fracture (Fracture of the Distal Radius)

• Occurs due to a fall on an outstretched hand.
• Presents with "dinner fork deformity."
• Treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization.

Hip Dislocation

• Commonly seen in road traffic accidents.
• Posterior dislocation is most common.
• Requires urgent reduction to prevent avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

Homeopathic Medicines:

1. Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey)
• Promotes bone healing (bone-knit remedy).
• Pain at the site of fracture.
• Useful for delayed union of fractures.
• Reduces pricking pain at injury site.
• Bruised, sore feeling in bones.
2. Arnica Montana
• First remedy for trauma and injury.
• Bruised soreness, patient feels the bed is too hard.
• Swelling and discoloration around fracture/dislocation.
• Fear of being touched due to pain.
• Better with rest and cold applications.
3. Calcarea Phosphorica
• For weak bones prone to fractures.
• Non-healing fractures, especially in old age or malnutrition.
• Bone pain during change of weather.
• Pain and weakness in bones after injury.
• Children with slow dentition and weak bones.
4. Ruta Graveolens
• For ligament injuries, periosteal pain.
• Bruised pain in tendons and ligaments.
• Stiffness and lameness after fractures.
• Bone pain worse from cold & exertion.
• For repeated dislocations due to weak ligaments.
5. Hypericum Perforatum
• Nerve injury with fractures.
• Excruciating shooting pain along the nerve.
• Injury to spine, tailbone, and fingers.
• Tingling, numbness, and burning pains.
• Better with warmth.