Orthopedic Trauma: Bone Fracture Treatment and Management

A bone fracture can cause significant pain and discomfort. At Orthopedic Specialists, our experienced orthopedic surgeons have been dedicated to helping patients return to their active lives for over a decade. We provide comprehensive fracture management, from simple breaks to complex surgical procedures, ensuring expert guidance throughout your recovery.

What is a Bone Fracture?

A bone fracture, or broken bone, occurs when a bone experiences more force than it can handle. This can be due to trauma such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury. Although fractures are painful, most heal completely with proper treatment.

Bone fractures vary greatly in severity. They can be as minor as a hairline crack or as severe as a compound fracture, where the broken bone penetrates the skin. The treatment of a bone fracture depends on its severity, location, type, and cause. 

Types of Bone Fractures

Fractures differ in nature. Common types include:

• Displaced Fracture: The bone breaks into two or more pieces and moves out of its normal alignment.
• Non-displaced Fracture: The bone breaks but remains aligned.
• Closed Fracture: The bone breaks but does not pierce the skin.
• Open Fracture: Also called a compound fracture. This type occurs when the bone breaks and pierces the skin, increasing the risk of infection.

Depending on how the break occurs, fractures can also be classified by their pattern:

• Oblique Fractures: A break at an angle across the bone.
• Transverse Fractures: A straight, horizontal break.
• Comminuted Fractures: The bone shatters into multiple pieces, often caused by high-impact trauma.
• Greenstick Fractures: A partial break, common in children, where the bone bends and cracks on one side.
• Spiral Fractures: Caused by a twisting force, these fractures resemble a corkscrew pattern.

Symptoms of a Bone Fracture

Common signs of a bone fracture include:

• Pain at the site of injury
• Swelling and bruising
• Deformity (the bone may appear out of place or broken through the skin)
• Inability to move the affected area

If you suspect you have a broken bone, it’s important to seek medical care immediately.

How Do We Diagnose Bone Fractures?

The first step in diagnosing a fracture is a physical examination. After evaluating your injury, we will use advanced imaging techniques such as:

• X-rays: To confirm the fracture and assess its severity.
• MRI or CT scans: For detailed images of the bones and surrounding tissues, especially if soft tissue or joint damage is suspected.
• Bone Scans: Sometimes used for fractures that aren’t visible on X-rays.

Bone Fracture Treatment

Treatment for a bone fracture depends on the type and severity of the break. In general, the goal is to realign the bone fragments so that they can heal properly.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Immobilization: For minor fractures or non-displaced fractures, we may use a cast, splint, or brace to keep the bone stable while it heals.
• Closed Reduction: For more severe fractures where the bone is misaligned, we may need to manually realign the bones using gentle pressure, either under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.

Surgical Treatments

In cases where the fracture is complex or the bones cannot be realigned through closed reduction, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options include:

• Internal Fixation: Metal rods, plates, screws, or pins are used to hold the broken bones in place while they heal. This method is commonly used for fractures that require precise alignment.
• External Fixation: In some cases, metal pins are inserted into the bone, with a stabilizing frame placed outside the body to hold the bone in place while it heals.
• Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): If a joint like the shoulder, knee, or elbow is fractured, we may recommend replacing the damaged joint with an artificial one.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from a bone fracture depends on the type of injury, treatment, and how well you follow the recovery plan. You will likely need to rest and avoid putting weight on the injured area to ensure proper healing.

• Physical Therapy: After the bone heals, you may need physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility to the affected area. Rehabilitation is a key part of returning to full function.
• Follow-Up Care: We will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure the bone is properly aligned.

When to Seek Emergency Help

If you experience any of the following signs after a trauma, seek emergency care immediately:

• The bone is sticking through the skin.
• Severe bleeding that cannot be controlled.
• Numbness, tingling, or discoloration in the extremities.
• Deformity or the joint looks out of place.
• You suspect a fracture in the neck, back, or head.

How to Care for a Bone Fracture Before Medical Help

If you’re unable to get immediate medical attention, follow these steps while waiting for help:

• Control bleeding: Apply pressure with a clean cloth or sterile bandage.
• Immobilize the injury: Keep the bone still and avoid trying to realign it.
• Apply ice: To reduce swelling and pain, place ice wrapped in a cloth on the injured area.

Trust Our Experts

At Orthopedic Specialists, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality care. Whether your injury is a simple fracture or a complex break requiring surgery, our team of experts will work with you to ensure the best outcome for your health and recovery.

To learn more about what to expect when you undergo fracture care, please visit our Surgery Preparation/Recovery page.

Trust our orthopedic surgeons to provide the highest quality care for fractures. Contact us today for more information on treatment options or to schedule an appointment.