Fractures Specialist

Orthopedic Associates PA

Orthopedic Surgeons located in Farmington, NM

Every year, more than 1 million fractures occur in the United States, affecting men, women, and children. Tyson Christensen, MD, and the expert team at Orthopedic Associates PA in Farmington, New Mexico, provide complete fracture care for patients of all ages, including in-office X-rays. If you or a loved one has a fracture, call the office or book an appointment online today.

Fractures Q&A

What is a fracture?

Fractures are also known as broken bones. A fracture occurs when your bone experiences a strong force or impact too great for it to endure. When this happens, the bone can break in a variety of ways.

The caring team at Orthopedic Associates PA treats a wide range of fractures, including:

Closed fractures, in which the skin isn’t broken
Open fractures that cause a break in the skin (also called compound fractures)
Partial fractures that don’t involve a complete break in the bone
Complete fractures that cause the bone to break into separate pieces
Stress fractures that cause a hairline crack in the bone

If you experience an open wound that has bone sticking through, or is deep enough to allow you to see the bone, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

What causes fractures?

Fractures are common injuries that can occur in many different ways. Common causes of fractures include:

Trauma, such as a car accident or fall from a height
Sports injuries, such as a football tackle
Overuse, such as a stress fracture in the foot of a distance runner
Osteoporosis, a disease that causes your bones to weaken and break easily

The team at Orthopedic Associates PA treats all types of fractures, including pediatric fractures in children and osteoporosis-related fractures in older adults.

How do I know if I have a fracture?

Most fractures cause intense pain at the time of injury. You may also experience the following signs and symptoms:

Swelling
Bruising
Tenderness
Difficulty moving the injured area
A deformity, such as the limb or joint looking misshapen

Fracture symptoms may be similar to other injuries, such as sprains and strains. If you think you may have a fracture, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis at Orthopedic Associates PA.

How are fractures diagnosed and treated?

First, your provider at Orthopedic Associates PA asks how the injury occurred and assesses your overall condition. They may take an in-office X-ray to evaluate your injury and confirm the presence of a fracture.

Then, they develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Fracture care typically involves realigning the bone and immobilizing it in a cast or brace while it heals. Severe or complex fractures may require surgery, such as total knee replacement.

Your orthopedic surgeon may also recommend physical therapy and medications to help you recover. Prompt fracture care is essential to reduce your risk of developing post-traumatic arthritis in the future.

For personalized fracture care, call Orthopedic Associates PA, or book an appointment online today.