Fracture Treatment

Restoring Structure, Preserving Movement, Preventing Complications

Fracture treatment is both a science and a process — restoring the body's structure, preserving movement, and preventing long-term complications. Each fracture is unique, depending on where it occurs, how it happens, and the person it affects. Successful treatment doesn't just focus on repairing the bone — it supports surrounding muscles, joints, and tissues, ensuring the body returns to full function safely and confidently.

Goals of Fracture Treatment

reduce

Reduce

Reposition the broken bone ends into their correct alignment.

immobilise

Immobilise

Hold the bone securely until healing begins.

rehabilitation

Rehabilitate

Restore mobility, strength, and daily function through physiotherapy.

Phases of Fracture Management

1

Initial Emergency Care

The first few hours after an injury are crucial. Immediate steps include:

  • Immobilising the injured area using a temporary splint or support
  • Controlling pain and swelling with rest, elevation, and cold compress
  • Stopping bleeding in open fractures with clean pressure dressing
  • Avoiding unnecessary movement to prevent displacement

If there’s visible deformity, excessive bleeding, or numbness, emergency care and medical attention is essential. This phase ensures the patient is stable enough for further imaging and treatment.

2

Definitive Treatment

Once the diagnosis confirms the fracture type, doctors decide on non-surgical or surgical management. The goal is to align and stabilise the bone while allowing the body's natural healing process to begin.

3

Recovery and Rehabilitation

After the bone is fixed or immobilised, rehabilitation begins gradually. It focuses on restoring joint movement, strength, and balance to prevent stiffness and weakness.

Learn more in Rehabilitation and Recovery
4

Follow-Up and Prevention

Regular X-rays and clinical check-ups monitor bone union and ensure healing is progressing normally. Patients are guided on nutrition, calcium and vitamin D intake, supplementation, and fall prevention to protect bone health.

Explore Healing Factors for more

Non-Surgical (Conservative) Treatment

1. Casting and Splinting

  • Casts made of plaster or fibreglass hold bones in position while they heal
  • Splints are partial casts used when swelling is expected
  • Doctors may adjustchange or remove casts after 3–6 weeks based on healing progress
  • Proper care includes keeping the cast dry, avoiding tight bandaging, and reporting any numbness or tingling

2. Functional Bracing

  • Used when limited movement is allowed without compromising healing
  • Helps maintain muscle tone and circulation during recovery
  • Commonly applied for fractures of forearm, humerus, and tibia

3. Traction

  • A controlled pulling technique that aligns bones before fixation
  • Skin traction uses adhesive tapes and weights for mild correction
  • Skeletal traction uses metal pins inserted into the bone for stronger alignment (usually temporary)
  • Traction is often used in femur or pelvic fractures before surgery or casting

4. Pain and Swelling Management

  • Ice application, limb elevation, and short-term use of pain-relieving medication help early recovery
  • Regular follow-ups ensure no loss of alignment during the immobilisation period

Surgical Treatment

1. Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)

  • Bone fragments are realigned (open reduction) and fixed using plates, screws, rods, or wires
  • Provides stable fixation, allowing earlier movement
  • Commonly used for hip, femur, forearm, and complex arm fractures

2. External Fixation

  • Used for open fractures, severe soft tissue injury, or multiple injuries
  • Metal pins are placed through the skin into the bone and connected to an external frame
  • The frame maintains alignment while allowing wound care and monitoring
  • Often a temporary step before internal fixation

3. Intramedullary Nailing

  • A metal rod is inserted into the bone's cavity (medullary canal)
  • Provides strong internal support for long bones like the femur or tibia
  • Reduces healing time and allows earlier partial weight-bearing

4. Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement)

  • In elderly patients with severe osteoporosis or complex joint fractures (ex: hip), joint replacement restores mobility and pain-free function

5. Minimally Invasive Fixation

  • Uses small incisions and real-time imaging (fluoroscopy) for precision
  • Reduces muscle damage, scarring, and infection risk
  • Enables faster recovery and shorter hospital stay

Pain Management and Postoperative Care

Effective pain control and patient comfort are key components of treatment success.

  • Analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications reduce pain and swelling
  • Cold packs and limb elevation help in the early recovery phase
  • Once healing begins, gentle physiotherapy and muscle activation exercises prevent stiffness

Doctors monitor for early signs of infection or nerve irritation, especially after surgery. Nutritional guidance and adequate hydration also support faster recovery.

Learn About Diet for Bone Health

Modern Approaches and Advanced Healing

3D-Printed Implants

Customised fixation devices for complex bone reconstruction

Biodegradable Implants

Implants that dissolve once healing is complete

Bone Stimulators

Ultrasound or electromagnetic pulses to activate bone-forming cells

Biologic Agents

Growth factors and platelet-rich plasma to stimulate bone growth

Regenerative Therapies

Stem-cell therapies for severe or slow-healing injuries

Frequently Asked Questions

How do doctors decide between surgery and casting? +

They consider the bone involved, fracture pattern, stability, and the patient's overall health. Stable fractures heal with immobilisation; unstable or displaced fractures often require surgery.

How long does it take for a fracture to heal? +

Most fractures heal in 6–12 weeks, but complex or osteoporotic fractures may take longer.

Do implants need to be removed later? +

Not always. If they don't cause pain or restrict movement, implants may stay permanently.

What should I avoid after fracture surgery? +

Avoid heavy lifting, smoking, alcohol, and skipping follow-up physiotherapy sessions — all can slow recovery.

What's the role of nutrition in fracture treatment? +

A diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, protein, and magnesium supports strong and complete bone healing.

Learn About Nutrition for Bone Health