Fracture Care
Fracture Care
Evaluation, splinting or casting, and surgery when needed for broken bones.
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What it is
A fracture is a broken bone. Care starts with an examination and X-rays — sometimes a CT scan — to define the break, then a plan based on which bone is involved, how far it has moved, whether the joint surface is affected, and your overall health. Many fractures heal well with a cast or brace and time; others heal straighter and more reliably with surgery to realign the bone and hold it while it heals.
Common symptoms
- Pain, swelling, and bruising after an injury
- Deformity, or an inability to bear weight or use the limb
- Tenderness directly over the bone
- Numbness, severe swelling, or a pale, cold limb — which need urgent evaluation
Non-surgical options
- Closed reduction — realigning the bone without an incision — when needed
- A cast, splint, or removable brace
- Protected weight-bearing or a sling, with a set schedule of follow-up X-rays
- Pain control, elevation, and early motion of the nearby joints when it is safe
The procedure
When surgery is needed, the bone is realigned and held with hardware matched to the fracture — plates and screws, a rod placed inside the bone, or pins and an external frame. Some breaks next to a worn joint are better treated with a joint replacement. Surgery may be done the same day for open fractures and some unstable patterns, or within a week or two once swelling improves.
Recovery timeline
- Weeks 0–6The bone is protected in a cast, brace, or by activity limits. Follow weight-bearing instructions exactly. X-rays confirm alignment is holding. Keep the limb elevated early to control swelling.
- Weeks 6–12Most fractures show healing on X-ray. Immobilization is reduced and motion and gentle strengthening begin, often with therapy.
- Months 3–6Progressive return to activity as the bone consolidates. Timing depends heavily on which bone broke and the pattern of the break.
- Months 6–12Bone remodeling continues. Most people return to their prior activities; hardware is removed only if it causes problems.
The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual cases vary. Always consult a qualified clinician about your condition. In an emergency call 911.