Assessment of bone fractures after trauma, with closed reduction and casting/splinting or, when needed, surgical fixation. The aim is to ensure the bone heals in correct alignment.
Indication
- Suspected fracture of the arm, leg, hand, or foot after a fall, blow, or traffic accident
- Sports-related fracture or dislocation (wrist, ankle, shoulder, clavicle)
- Hip or vertebral fracture in the setting of osteoporosis (bone loss)
- Stress fractures (microfractures due to repetitive loading)
- Greenstick fracture or growth plate injury in children
- Pathologic fracture (in the setting of bone cysts, tumor, or infection)
- Corrective treatment in cases of malunion or nonunion
Preparation
- When a fracture is suspected, the area should be kept immobile and not loaded
- Plain radiograph (X-ray), and if needed CT or MRI, are used for evaluation
- If surgical fixation is planned, blood tests, ECG, and anesthesia evaluation are performed
- For patients on blood thinners, dose adjustment with physician approval
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before surgery (if anesthesia is required)
How it's performed
- Examination assesses swelling, deformity, tenderness, and circulation/nerve status
- Imaging (X-ray / CT / MRI) determines the location, type, and degree of displacement of the fracture
- Minimally displaced fractures are immobilized with a cast, splint, or brace
- Displaced fractures may be treated with closed reduction (manual realignment) followed by casting
- Open, comminuted, intra-articular, or unstable fractures are treated with surgical fixation (plate-screw, intramedullary nail, external fixator)
- After the procedure, the fracture position is verified with a control radiograph
Post-procedure
- Healing is monitored with periodic control radiographs (typically every 2-4 weeks)
- Elevation, cold application, and appropriate analgesics for pain, edema, and swelling
- Cast/splint duration varies by fracture type (typically 4-8 weeks)
- After surgical fixation, physiotherapy and joint range-of-motion exercises at the appropriate time
- Transition to full weight-bearing is performed gradually, with physician approval
Risks
- Nonunion or malunion
- Compartment syndrome (especially due to increased pressure under a cast and impaired circulation)
- Vascular or nerve injury (related to the fracture itself or surgery, rare)
- After surgical fixation: infection, implant loosening or breakage
- Long-term post-traumatic osteoarthritis after intra-articular fractures
- Joint stiffness and muscle loss due to immobilization
FAQ
How long does fracture healing take?
It varies by fracture location, type, the patient's age, and overall health. Typical durations are 3-6 weeks in children and 6-12 weeks in adults. Hip fractures and some intra-articular fractures may take longer to heal.
Does every fracture require surgery?
No. Most stable fractures with little displacement can be treated with a cast or splint. Significantly displaced, comminuted, intra-articular, or open fractures may require surgical fixation.
What should I do if I have itching or pain inside the cast?
Mild itching is normal, but severe pain, color change in the fingers, coldness, loss of sensation, or a wet cast warrants contacting your physician; these may signal compartment syndrome or a circulatory problem.
Should I take calcium or vitamin D for fracture healing?
Adequate calcium and vitamin D are important for bone healing, but supplementation depends on physician evaluation. Smoking significantly slows fracture healing; cessation is recommended whenever possible.
Related Information
Related Medical Services
Other services in the same specialty or with similar indications you may want to explore.
SMALL BONE FRACTURE SURGERY
Orthopedics & Traumatology
Small bone fracture surgery — surgical fixation of displaced fractures in regions such as the hand, foot, and wrist.
Long Bone Fracture Surgery
Orthopedics & Traumatology
Long bone fracture surgery — surgical fixation of long bone fractures such as the femur, tibia, and humerus.
Osteoporosis monitoring and treatment
Internal Medicine Outpatient Services
Long-term monitoring of bone loss with DEXA, blood tests, and medication therapy.
Cast and splint application
Orthopedics & Traumatology
Cast and splint application — external fixation of joints and bones for fractures, sprains, and post-surgical care.
Orthopedic implant removal
Orthopedics & Traumatology
Orthopedic implant removal — surgery to remove plates, screws, and nails after healing is complete.
Pin Removal
Orthopedics & Traumatology
Pin removal — taking out the temporary fixation wire after fracture healing is complete.
Total Hip Replacement
Orthopedics & Traumatology
Total hip replacement — joint replacement surgery in which the hip is reconstructed with an artificial ball and socket.
PARTIAL HIP REPLACEMENT
Orthopedics & Traumatology
Partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty) — surgery to replace the femoral head for femoral neck fracture in elderly patients.