Bone fractures in sports

A fracture is a medical term for a broken bone.  A bone fractures because a force stronger than the bone itself is applied to it.  Elderly patients are more susceptible to bone fractures due to the aging process and their bones becoming weaker.  There are several types of fractures with the main ones being displaced or non-displaced, and open or closed.  

A displaced fracture refers to a bone that breaks into two and moves out of its original position so that the two ends are no longer lined up straight.  A non-displaced fracture refers to a bone that breaks but the two ends remain lined up.

An open fracture is one where the bone breaks and is displaced and punctures the skin creating an open wound, whereas a closed fracture refers to a bone that breaks but does not puncture the skin.

Another type of fracture is a stress fracture which is caused from repeated stress to a bone which results in a hairline crack in the bone.  Stress fractures are common in the bones of the feet but can occur in other bones as well.

If an athlete were to sustain a fracture during a game, an athletic trainer would first go on to the field and evaluate the athlete to confirm a possible fracture.  Once a fractured bone is suspected, the athletic trainer will splint the limb where the fracture is, to limit further movement of the broken bone, and apply ice to the injury site to control swelling.  The athlete would then be transported immediately to the hospital where the physicians and surgeons continue the appropriate care.  After several weeks or months, when the fracture is healed and the athlete is medically cleared for rehabilitation, the athletic trainer may assist with the strengthening and range of motion of the surrounding muscles and joints and eventually move into sport specific exercises to get the athlete back on the field.

Having an athletic trainer and qualified sports medicine team to cover sporting events is essential especially when it comes to severe injuries such as fractures.  In some instances when a bone fractures, it is possible that the broken bone can sever nearby arteries and veins making it a life threatening situation which the sports medicine team can identify and implement the necessary emergency protocols.  This is normally a concern with femur (thigh bone) fractures which may sever the main artery (femoral artery) that supplies blood to the lower leg.

Aaron Armstrong, MPE, ATC

Athletic Trainer

Elite Sports Medicine Clinic at the Sports, Spine and Rehabilitation Centre
esmbahamas@gmail.com

^{Aaron Armstrong holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA in Athletic Training and has been a Board Certified Athletic Trainer since 2012.  He also earned a Master of Physical Education degree in Athletic Administration from Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID.}

Our certified sports medicine team can help prevent and treat injuries to keep you performing at your best.