Stress Fractures Treatment

The bones in children’s bodies are constantly undergoing a process of breakdown and rebuilding in response to physical stress. However, when the bone is subjected to more stress than it can recover from, it leads to a bone stress injury. In the initial stages, this results in a bone stress reaction, which can cause swelling or bruising in the bone but without any cracks. If the underlying injury is not addressed and high-impact activities like running, jumping, or intense sports continue, the bone can eventually crack, leading to a stress fracture. These injuries are particularly common in athletes who engage in repetitive high-stress activities, and without proper rest and recovery, they can worsen over time.

A stress fracture is an overuse injury that happens when the muscles are no longer able to absorb the added stress of repetitive impact. This overload is transferred to the bone, causing a tiny crack known as a stress fracture.  Bone stress injuries happen when there’s a rapid increase in physical activity, whether it’s more frequent exercise, longer durations, or higher intensity. Children often experience these injuries 3 to 4 weeks into a new training program or sports season, when the body has not yet fully adapted to the new demands. However, even non-athletes kids are susceptible to bone stress injuries if they suddenly increase their activity levels. For instance, someone who is not used to regular walking might experience a stress injury after walking significantly more on vacation than they normally would.

Risk factors for bone stress injuries are categorized into modifiable and non-modifiable types. Modifiable risk factors, such as training techniques, footwear, or dietary habits, can be changed to reduce the risk. Non-modifiable factors include an individual’s age, bone density, or genetics, which cannot be controlled. These risk factors can further be divided into extrinsic factors (external forces, like an abrupt increase in physical activity or environmental conditions) and intrinsic factors (internal characteristics, like muscle fatigue, bone structure, or hormonal imbalances). Both types of risk factors play a role in the development of stress fractures.

In kids, stress fractures typically present with pain and tenderness in the affected bone, especially after physical activity. Swelling may also occur, and the child might have difficulty bearing weight or moving the injured limb. The pain often worsens with repetitive activities and improves with rest.

Bone stress injuries are treated by resting from painful activities and using alternative exercises, like swimming or cycling. If walking causes pain, using crutches or a supportive boot can relieve pressure on the bone. In more severe cases, surgery may be required, involving internal fixation with pins, screws, or rods. Typically, this hardware doesn’t need removal, but in some cases, it may be removed in an outpatient procedure after the bone heals.

Eligible candidates for stress fracture treatment include children or adolescents who experience pain from overuse, typically athletes or kids who suddenly increase physical activity. Those at higher risk, such as those with low bone density or improper biomechanics, may also require treatment to prevent further injury.

Children and adolescents with growing bones are also susceptible to stress fractures. Treatment is necessary for anyone who shows signs of a stress fracture, including persistent pain, swelling, or tenderness in an area of the bone

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) surgery for stress fractures is performed when the bone fracture is severe, displaced, or does not heal with conservative methods like rest or casting. The procedure involves realigning the bone and securing it using pins, screws, or plates. In certain cases, bone grafting might be performed if the fracture has caused significant bone loss or if the healing process is delayed due to poor blood supply.

General anesthesia is used for stress fracture surgery, as it ensures the patient is fully unconscious and pain-free. The surgery usually takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity and location of the fracture.

• Initially, the patient should rest, and weight-bearing activities should be minimized.
• Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, crutches, a boot, or a hard-sole shoe may be prescribed to offload pressure from the affected area.
• Physical therapy or specific strengthening exercises may be recommended to restore muscle function and prevent atrophy.
• Patients should follow a structured rehabilitation plan to increase load gradually, helping the bone adjust without overloading it.
• Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to assess healing progress, with repeat imaging (X-rays or CT scans) sometimes needed to monitor the bone’s recovery.
• Nutrition, including adequate calcium and vitamin D, plays an essential role in supporting bone strength and healing.
• Returning to high-impact sports should only occur once cleared by the doctor, often after weeks of gradual reconditioning.
• At Prospero Medical, we prioritize the ongoing care of our patients after their procedures. Our follow-up program ensures that patients are monitored for up to 6 months to 1 year post-operatively, even after they return to their home countries.
• We strongly encourage patients to report any issues or concerns they may encounter during their recovery directly to our clinic without delay. This approach helps us to address any potential complications promptly and ensures that patients receive the appropriate care before seeking assistance from third-party specialists.

Bone stress injuries can take from 3 weeks to 3 months to heal, with more severe fractures requiring longer recovery. Longstanding injuries or fractures in areas with poor blood supply may take even longer. Once healed, a gradual return to activity is essential to avoid further stress on the bone.

Not only is Turkey recognized as a global leader in a wide range of medical disciplines, but it is also renowned for its rich historical heritage and warm hospitality. This unique combination makes Turkey an attractive destination for various medical treatments. Opting for stress fractures repair surgery in Turkey offers numerous advantages, some of which may even surpass the benefits of undergoing the same treatment privately in one’s home country. These benefits include:

• A high level of medical expertise and well-established scholarship in the field.
• Access to top-class private hospitals equipped with cutting-edge technology.
• Personalized after-care services that are infused with the distinctive warmth of Turkish hospitality.
• Competitive pricing based on a value-for-money equation, offering high-quality treatment at a reasonable cost.
• An ideal setting for recovery, where orthopedic treatment packages are often combined with physiotherapy sessions to accelerate the healing process.

When selecting the right clinic for surgery, several important factors come into play. Amidst the frenzy of commercial advertisements and social media promotions, it can be challenging to find a clinic that ticks all the necessary boxes. So, what should guide your decision-making process?

Here are some key criteria to consider:

• The clinic should provide honest, unbiased advice, free from commercial interests. Your well-being should be the primary concern.
• It’s crucial for the clinic to make a genuine effort to understand your concerns and manage expectations effectively. This helps ensure you’re fully informed and comfortable with your treatment plan.
• The clinic must put the patient’s health and safety at the forefront of their practice.

A realistic price estimate for treatment is best calculated by considering the following factors:

• Professional standing of the clinic. A clinic’s reputation and track record in the field are vital indicators of its quality of care.
• Complexity of the procedure. Different surgeries come with varying levels of complexity, which can influence the cost of the procedure.
• Credentials of the surgeon & quality of after-care services. The qualifications of the surgeon and the quality of the post-surgery care are crucial to achieving successful outcomes.
• Ensure the clinic provides transparent terms regarding liabilities, responsibilities, and the legal framework surrounding the treatment.

While the price can be a significant motivator for choosing surgery abroad, prioritizing cost over quality can lead to serious problems down the road. It’s essential to ensure the clinic meets these core criteria before making a decision. At Prospero Medical, we adopt a transparent pricing policy, where each service component is clearly outlined to help patients make informed decisions. Our goal is to provide realistic pricing that reflects the quality of medical care, the expertise of our surgeons, and the level of after-care service we provide. With our long-standing presence in the industry, we are committed to offering high-quality, professional medical services at a competitive and realistic price.