Fractures are broken bones. They cause pain and make it hard or impossible to use the part of the body that is injured. The goal of treatment is to have a completely healed and well-aligned bone that works normally. The broken pieces must be put back into the correct position and kept in proper alignment until healing is complete. The treatment of a fracture depends on the type and location of the fracture. Sometimes other, more serious injuries from an accident may need to be treated before fractures are treated.
Your healthcare provider will do a physical exam. X-rays are the best way to determine what kind of fracture you have and the type of treatment you need. A CT scan or MRI may also be used for more complicated breaks, such as a break of a bone into many pieces, a tiny break in a bone, or a break in a specific bone that may have a hard time healing.
There are many types of fractures that determine the severity of a fracture and how it is treated:
For some fractures the only treatment needed is rest and ice and, if the broken bone is still lined up properly, possibly a splint or cast to protect the bone while it heals.
In addition to casts and splints, other types of treatment may include:
Casts and splints: The most common treatment is a plaster or fiberglass cast. A cast holds the broken bone in place and keeps the bone from moving while it heals. Sometimes a splint is used instead of a cast. A splint is a partial cast usually held in place with an elastic bandage.
Closed reduction and traction: If the ends of the fractured bone don’t line up correctly, the pieces of bone need to be repositioned so they line up correctly. This is called reduction or realignment. Your healthcare provider may be able to move the pieces of bone into position or may use traction to help gently pull the bones into position. If your bone can be realigned without surgery, it’s called a closed reduction.
Open reduction and internal fixation: Sometimes surgery is needed to realign the bones. The surgery is called open reduction and internal fixation of the bone and involves cutting open the skin of the area over the fracture. Then your healthcare provider puts the pieces of bone back into place. The bone fragments are held in place with special screws or metal plates. Pins that go through the bone or rods that go inside the length of the bone may also be used to keep the bone in place.
External fixation: External fixation is another way to treat a fracture. It is done without making a cut. First, a closed reduction is done to move the bones in place. Then pins or screws are put through the skin and bone above and below the fracture. The pins or screws are connected to metal bars on the outside of the skin to form a frame around the fracture. This frame keeps the bone pieces in place. When the bones have healed, the fixation device is removed.
Exercises are usually needed during and after healing. Exercise helps to make the muscles and joints strong and flexible.
