Fracture Treatment

The term “fracture” is a medical term used to describe a broken bone. Though your bones are quite tough and rigid, fractures can and sometimes do occur due to injury or illness, and in some cases, orthopedic fracture surgery is the best or only treatment option. The nature of the surgery will ultimately depend on the severity of the fracture, so learning more about what you can expect is important for making the right choices about your care. 

Types of Fractures

There are several types of fractures that can affect many of the bones in your body, including hips, elbows, ankles, arms, legs, and more. 

• Stable – A stable fracture occurs when the broken ends of the bone remain in alignment with one another. 
• Compound – These fractures, also known as open fractures, occur when the broken bone pierces the skin or when the skin just above the fracture is significantly wounded. 
• Oblique – If the fracture line is angled, this is known as an oblique fracture. 
• Transverse – In this case, the break is horizontal across the affected bone. 
• Comminuted – A comminuted fracture occurs when the bone is broken into three or more pieces. 

What Can Cause Fractures?

There are a wide variety of fracture causes, but the most common cause is trauma. Trauma can occur as the result of a fall, bicycle accident, automobile accident, or even a sports-related injury. Second to trauma is osteoporosis, which is a condition that causes brittle bones that are more likely to break with even a slight trauma. Finally, overuse can sometimes lead to fractures. Your muscles support your bones and keep them strong, so when your muscles become fatigued and can no longer provide that support, your bones are more likely to break. This is referred to as a stress fracture, and it is most common in athletes and those who spend a great deal of time on their feet each day. 

What to Expect from Surgery

If your doctor recommends surgery to repair your fracture, the extent of that surgery will depend on the nature of your illness or injury. In some cases, the surgeon may simply “set” the fracture, then close the wound and ask you to wear a cast (or another device to restrict mobility) for a while. In the case of serious fractures – and especially comminuted fractures – surgery may involve the implantation of metal plates, screws, or even rods to hold the bone fragments in place as they heal. Any skin or muscle wounds caused by compound fractures will be repaired, as well. 

After your surgery, your doctor will work with you to help manage your pain through medications like narcotic pain relievers and NSAIDs to reduce swelling. He or she will also likely refer you to a physical rehabilitation specialist to help you gain some range of motion in the affected bones and joints.