Spiral fractures are caused by twisting forces and can be difficult to treat. They are often sustained while skiing and can be excruciatingly painful. Diagnosis involves x-rays and treatment can involve surgery or a cast. These fractures can be caused by accidents or abuse, but an isolated spiral fracture is not necessarily an indication of abuse.
A spiral fracture is a type of bone fracture caused by a twisting force. They are also called torsion fractures, referring to the forces involved in creating a spiral fracture. It can be difficult to treat this type of fracture because the break is helical. Treatment can involve months in a cast and possible surgery, depending on the location of the break, the individual’s overall health, and the specific circumstances involved in a fracture.
A classic example of a spiral fracture is a fracture sustained while skiing. Skiers lock their feet into the skis in sturdy ski boots, so if a ski breaks or the skier loses control and the ski spins, the leg can be violently twisted in one direction, creating a textbook spiral fracture. As anyone who has broken their leg skiing knows, this type of fracture can be excruciatingly painful and will typically disrupt any skiing activity for at least several months.
To diagnose this type of fracture, a doctor will take x-rays of the site and examine them. X-rays will confirm that a fracture is the problem, and close examination of the image can provide insight into the type of fracture involved. Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend surgery to fix the bone, ensuring proper healing in the event of a major break, or the limb may simply be fixed in a cast to keep it in place while the fracture heals.
Significant torque is not required to create this type of fracture, especially in the case of people with weak bones due to age or poor diet. In the event that a person does not have immediate access to medical care, as might be the case while camping, any suspected fracture should be immobilized with a splint to keep the patient comfortable during transport to the hospital.
Historically, these fractures have been considered an indication of abuse, especially in children; the suggestion is that the twisting motion needed could be caused by something like a parent or guardian grabbing and twisting a child’s arm or leg. Consequently, when medical professionals see such fractures in children, they can report the injury to child protection authorities. It is important to note that these fractures in children can be the result of many causes other than physical abuse, however; Children’s bones are delicate and may be more susceptible to these types of injuries caused by simple accidents. Studies suggest that an isolated spiral fracture by itself is not necessarily an indication of abuse.
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