Fractures Specialist
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Gregg K. Satow, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist located in Monterey, CA
Approximately 6 million Americans break a bone each year, and medical experts predict this number will rise as the population ages. To ensure patients on the Central Coast receive the care they need, Gregg K. Satow MD, offers comprehensive fracture services at his office in Monterey, California. Early care of your fracture is critical, so call the office or schedule an appointment online today for prompt and effective treatment.
Fractures Q & A
What is a fracture?
A fracture, as the name implies, is a break in your bone. While this explanation may seem simple enough, there are many different types of fractures, including:
- Stable fracture, which is a clean break
- Transverse fracture, which features a horizontal break
- Oblique fracture, with breaks at different angles
- Open compound fracture, in which the broken bone(s) pierce your skin
- Spiral fracture, which spirals vertically down your bone
- Comminuted fractures, in which the bone breaks into three or more pieces
Most fractures occur due to falling or trauma, but a fracture can occur anytime a bone is placed under stress that pushes it beyond its strength.
Fracture risk also rises in lockstep with age — the older you are, the greater your risk for fracture. And gender plays a significant role due to the fact that osteoporosis is more common in women — over the age of 65, women are three times as likely to sustain a fracture than their male counterparts.
What are the most common fractures?
Your body contains 206 bones, which means there’s ample opportunity for fractures. That said, some areas are more prone to fracture, including your:
- Wrist
- Forearm
- Hand and fingers
- Collarbone and shoulder
- Hip
- Ankle
- Legs
- Toes
While any bone can potentially break, the above are especially prone to fractures given their size, location, and the amount of stress these areas are generally under.
How are fractures treated?
If you suspect that you may have fractured a bone, getting in to see Dr. Satow as soon as possible is imperative so he’s able to quickly stabilize your fracture to prevent further damage. Once he ensures that your fracture is stable, he decides on the best course of action, which depends on several factors, including:
- Severity of the fracture
- Location of the fracture
- Your age
If your fracture is simple, Dr. Satow may only have to immobilize the area with a cast, sling, or splint to allow time for the ends of your bone to heal back together.
For more complex fractures, Dr. Satow may need to take more aggressive measures, such as surgery, to provide more structural support (pins, screws, and rods) to the fractured bone.
The bottom line is that the early care of any fracture is critical for a successful outcome, which is why you should seek the help of a board-certified orthopedic specialist like Dr. Satow. Call Gregg K. Satow, M.D. today or use online booking to check for the next available opening.
