Fractures, or broken bones, are the most common type of orthopedic trauma. Orthopedic surgeons treat fractures in all bones of the human body, except those involving the skull and ribs. These injuries can range from minor fractures in the fingers to more severe breaks in the largest bones, like the femur (thigh bone).

Several factors influence the approach to treating fractures:

• Open fractures When the bone pierces the skin during the fracture, surgical intervention is often required to clean the area and prevent infection.
• Bone involved: Larger bones, such as the femur, are typically treated surgically to allow patients to walk soon after surgery, rather than waiting months for natural healing in bed.
• Patient lifestyle: For individuals whose work or lifestyle requires quick use of the affected limb, surgery is often recommended to expedite recovery and return to normal activities.
• Severity of the fracture: Mild fractures, such as small cracks or non-displaced fractures, may be treated without surgery.

Watch video of Bone Fracture Repair

Non-surgical treatment options:

• Some fractures may require no treatment.
• For others, treatment may involve a bandage, sling, splint, or plaster cast (fiberglass or plaster of Paris).

Surgical treatment options:

• Wires Small wires may be inserted to hold bones together and aid healing.
• Plates and screws: These are used to stabilize fractured bones.
• Intramedullary rods Inserted inside large bones (like the femur) and secured with screws, allowing patients to move sooner.

Recovery time:

Recovery can take between three to 12 weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture, the patient’s age, and the bone involved.

Pain in the previously broken bone can persist for 18 months to two years post-fracture, sometimes longer, even after the fracture has healed.

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