For most active individuals, trauma to the skeletal system is a fact of life. Our bones are designed to withstand the normal forces of day to day life. They maintain the shape of our body and allow our muscles to work effectively. Without them, we would be nothing more than a blob of skin, fat, muscles and internal organs.

 

If a bone is overloaded or traumatized, damage can occur. Just like any other tissue, bones can be bruised by a direct blow. If enough force is applied, the bone can fracture (break). In most cases, this is followed immediately by pain and swelling. Frequently, if one of the "long bones", such as your Tibia (shin bone) breaks, there may be noticeable deformity of the leg and of course inability to walk. But, this is not always the case. Some fractures produce very little disability and can sometimes be misinterpreted as just a sprain or strain. In these situations, evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon, such as Dr. Hausmann should be sought to confirm the presence or absence of a fracture.

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