Understanding Fracture Care
A fracture is a break in a bone that can range from a hairline stress crack to a complex multi-fragment injury. Fractures can occur in any bone and result from falls, sports injuries, or accidents. At Precision Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our fellowship-trained fracture care specialists serve patients across Maryland and the DC Metro Area, providing comprehensive treatment from simple casting and splinting to complex surgical reconstruction to ensure proper bone alignment and the best possible long-term outcome.
Symptoms, Conditions & Treatment
Some common symptoms of a fracture include intense pain at the injury site that worsens with movement, visible swelling or bruising, and deformity of the injured area. Other symptoms to watch for include:
- Intense pain at the injury site that worsens with movement
- Visible swelling, bruising, or deformity
- Inability to bear weight or use the injured limb
- A snapping or cracking sound at the time of injury
- Tenderness to the touch near the injury site
- Numbness or tingling below the fracture site
Some common types of fractures include stress fractures, closed fractures, displaced fractures, and open fractures. Other types include:
- Stress fractures
- Closed (non-displaced) fractures
- Displaced fractures
- Open (compound) fractures
- Periarticular fractures (near joints)
- Periprosthetic fractures (near implants)
- Comminuted fractures (multiple fragments)
Some common treatment options for fractures include casting and splinting, closed reduction (non-surgical realignment), and surgical fixation. Surgical options include:
- Casting and splinting
- Closed reduction (non-surgical realignment)
- Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
- External fixation
- Intramedullary nailing
- Periarticular fracture reconstruction
Frequently Asked Questions
- Simple Fracture (cast/splint): Healing in 6 to 8 weeks.
- Surgical Fixation: Return to activity at 8 to 12 weeks; full recovery 3 to 6 months.
- Stress Fracture: Rest and gradual return to activity over 6 to 8 weeks.
- Complex Periarticular Fracture: Extended rehabilitation; full recovery 4 to 6 months.
Our Fracture Care Team
Our Clinics Where We Treat Fractures