Internal fixation is a surgical procedure used to internally set and stabilize fractured bones. During the procedure, the bone fragments are repositioned into their normal alignment, and are then held together with special implants, such as plates, screws, nails and wires.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Casts and splints hold broken bones in place while they heal. This video discusses how to take care of your cast or splint to make sure your bone heals properly and you recover faster.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Vitamin D is necessary for strong bones and muscles. Without Vitamin D, our bodies cannot effectively absorb calcium, which is essential to good bone health. This article focuses on things parents can do to improve their children's bone health.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Casts and splints hold broken bones in place while they heal. This article explains what to expect while you are wearing your cast or splint and includes advice on how to take care of it until it is time to have it removed.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone. Most stress fractures are caused by overuse and repetitive activity, and are common in runners and athletes. This article describes the causes and symptoms of stress fractures and includes tips for preventing them.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
An open fracture, also called a compound fracture, is a fracture in which there is an open wound or break in the skin near the site of the broken bone. Immediate treatment for an open fracture focuses on preventing infection at the site of the injury.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Growth plates are areas of cartilage at the ends of the body’s long bones. Because the growth plates are the last portion of a child’s bones to harden (ossify), they are particularly vulnerable to fracture.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
The health of our bones relies on a balanced diet and a steady stream of nutrients, most importantly, calcium and Vitamin D. Calcium is a mineral that we need to build strong bones and teeth. It is not made in the body, but must be absorbed from the foods we eat.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Osteoporosis is a disease of progressive bone loss associated with an increased risk of fractures. The term osteoporosis literally means "porous bone." The disease often develops unnoticed over many years, with no symptoms or discomfort until a fracture occurs.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Most people are familiar with many of the benefits of exercise, such as reducing the risk for heart disease and stroke, and preventing obesity. Perhaps not as well understood is the importance of regular physical activity in building and maintaining healthy bones.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Developing a higher peak bone mass when you are young will better protect you against osteoporosis and related fractures later in life. There are things you can do at every stage of life to help build bone mass, including making sure you get enough calcium and Vitamin D.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
