Orthopedic Surgery at Encino Orthopedics

Broken bones are a relatively common occurrence, but the frequency with which they happen does not lessen the ensuing pain. There are various types of fractures that one may experience in his or her lifetime, but the most common fractures include: stress fractures, a buckled fracture, and a comminuted fracture. A stress fracture - often called a hairline fracture - typically occurs as a result of repetitive stress, but can also occur when impact is made to the bone, through a collision or a fall. A buckled fracture, also called an impacted fracture, is a break in which the bones are driven into one another, and it typically observed in arm fractures suffered by children. A comminuted fracture is generally more serious and involves a fractured bone breaking at multiple spots, causing the bone to separate into several pieces.

The causes of a bone fracture vary case by case, but frequently occur as a result of a fall, a collision, from contact sports, or through chronic stress put upon the afflicted bone. Some bone fractures may develop gradually, as a result of a bone-weakening degenerative condition called osteoporosis. Regardless of the cause or type of your bone fracture, the symptoms of a broken bone are generally painful and often involve swelling, bruising, tenderness, and an inability to flex or put weight upon the fractured bone.

Though bone fracture injuries are extremely uncomfortable and often debilitating for a period of time, the majority of fractures can be treated through non-surgical treatment methods, such as a bracing and casting, which support a stabilized, non-invasive natural healing process.

However, if you have suffered a severe bone fracture or a bone break that is complicated by other factors, you may require surgery of some kind, though it fortunately, you may not require a traditionally invasive surgery. Most bone fractures that require surgery can be resolved through an arthroscopic procedure. Arthroscopic procedures differ from traditional, open surgical procedures in that they favor a minimally invasive approach, which ultimately results in quicker healing, a reduced risk of infection, and less overall stress upon the body.

In an arthroscopic surgical procedure to resolve a fractured bone, a miniature video camera is inserted via a series of tiny incisions, meant to avoid scarring or large incisions that put the body at a greater risk of infection. Using this arthroscopic method, Founder and Director of Encino Orthopedics, Dr. Reisch can observe the bone fracture up close and in real-time as the procedure takes place, allowing him to provide the least invasive, yet most comprehensive surgical care for a broken bone.