How Long Does It Take to Recover From an Avulsion Fracture?

Symptoms of an avulsion fracture are similar to other types of bone fractures and may include: 

• Intense pain 
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Bleeding 
• Numbness and tingling 
• Difficulty walking or moving a limb 
• A popping or cracking sound when the injury occurs

Symptoms tend to be most pronounced near the broken bone, but patients may also feel pain or other symptoms in nearby areas such as joints near the bone that is broken.

The most common cause of an avulsion fracture is acute trauma, such as: 

• Sports-related trauma 
  • Direct hit to the bone, such as in contact sports like football or boxing
  • Kicking
  • Jumping
  • Falling on an outstretched hand
  • Long-term impact from forces like running or other exercise 
• Accidents 
  • Motor vehicle accidents 
  • Falling from a height 

Avulsion fractures may also be caused by surgery or a disease process. 

Avulsion fractures are diagnosed with a patient history and a physical examination of the injured area, along with imaging tests such as: 

• X-rays
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
• Ultrasound

Treatment for an avulsion fracture includes: 

• First aid when the injury occurs 
  • Stop the activity that causes the injury
  • Use a splint or sling to immobilize the bone
  • Use the RICE method: 
    • Rest
      • Keep weight off the injured area
    • Ice
      • If an injury is iced immediately, it may prevent some inflammation
      • Apply crushed ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times daily
    • Compression: to prevent inflammation
      • Use elastic wraps such as Ace bandages
      • Do not wrap too tightly
    • Elevation
      • Prop up the affected area above the level of the heart to help reduce fluid buildup in the injured tissue
• Medical treatment 
  • Rest
    • Stay off of the injury while it heals
    • Cast or splint to keep the bone from moving 
    • Crutches
  • Medication 
    • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) for pain, swelling, and inflammation 
  • Immobilization
    • Cast 
    • Walking boot 
    • Stiff-soled shoe 
  • Exercise/physical therapy 
    • Range of motion
    • Strengthening
    • Gait training
    • Proprioceptive recovery
  • Surgery 
    • Open reduction to realign the ones
    • Internal fixation which uses metal hardware such as pins, plates, screws, or rods to permanently align the bones