Which department should you visit for a fracture?
Disease description:
I collided with someone's chest while playing basketball two days ago, and have been feeling uncomfortable since then. My chest occasionally hurts, and pressing on it causes noticeable pain. I would like to ask which department I should visit for a possible rib fracture?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Shuai
When a fracture occurs, the choice of medical department primarily depends on the location and severity of the fracture.
1. **Orthopedics**: For most fractures of the limbs, spine, and other bones, the first choice is to visit the orthopedic department. Orthopedic surgeons can perform professional assessments, diagnoses, and treatments, including imaging examinations such as X-rays and CT scans to determine the type and location of the fracture.
2. **Emergency Department**: If the patient is experiencing severe bleeding, shock, or has a complex fracture accompanied by other complications, the emergency department should be the first point of contact. The emergency department can rapidly assess the injury and provide urgent measures such as hemostasis and immobilization.
3. **Other Specialties**: Depending on the specific location of the fracture, other specialized departments may also be appropriate. For example, skull fractures may require consultation with a neurosurgical or brain surgery department, facial bone fractures with the dental or oral surgery department, and spinal fractures with the spinal surgery department.
Prompt medical attention is essential after a fracture. Choose the appropriate department based on the doctor's recommendations to receive timely and professional diagnosis and treatment.
