ProgressivePodiatryNJ.com

Fractures / Dislocations
By: Corinne Gehegan, DPM

There are 26 bones in the foot. Some are more prone to fractures and dislocations than others. These injuries may be open or closed. Open fractures are defined as fractures with adjacent skin and soft tissue defects that expose the bone to infection (osteomyelitis). They may be non-displaced or displaced. They may result in 2 separate fragments or multiple fragments. When a bone fragments in multiple locations it is considered comminuted.

Treatments and prognosis are dependent on multiple factors. Surgical intervention may be indicated. One factor that absolutely affects bone healing is smoking. Multiple studies have concluded that bone healing is delayed in smokers. This places them at risk for a delayed union or a non union. In other words; slow healing or no healing. Notify the doctor if you are taking oral corticosteroids as they affect bone metabolism.

Individuals who sustain toe injuries often debate whether or not they should see a doctor. It may be wise to have an X-ray taken to ensure that a dislocation has not occurred that would require closed reduction under local anesthesia. Frequently buddy taping is recommended. This is accomplished by splinting the injured toe to an adjacent toe with tape or an elastic bandage for a period of time.

Even if no fracture or dislocation has occurred; swelling and pain may persist for months. Soft tissue structures like the joint capsules, ligaments, and tendons may have been injured and require weeks to heal. This process may require more time in the foot because we bear weight on these small structures all while compressing them with a shoe.

Article written by Dr. Corinne Gehegan

 

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