Bone Fracture Repair
Falling off of a ladder, slipping in a parking lot or any number of accidents happen more often than we like. Sometimes we dust ourselves off, but other times, we end up with a fractured or broken bone. In that case, it’s time to see a doctor.
At Beaufort Memorial, we offer the expert care you need to heal. Our team of orthopedic specialists can repair most types of fractures quickly, easily and right on-site. Only the most severe and complex cases are referred to other locations, in which case we’ll help coordinate all of your care.
Find an orthopedic surgeon at Beaufort Memorial who is skilled in treating bone fractures.
Broken Bone Treatments
A fracture occurs anytime a bone is broken — either fully or partially. In some cases, fractures can be accompanied by soft tissue damage and torn blood vessels, which is why it is important to always see a doctor if you’ve suffered a fracture.
Without proper diagnosis and treatment, broken bones may settle in an unusual position, limiting your mobility or causing other complications, such as:
- Developing an infection from the injury
- Experiencing a fat embolism (a collection of fat particles that build up in the capillaries) which, left untreated, can be fatal
- Forming blood clots in a nearby blood vessel
- Suffering damage to the surrounding skin, tissue and muscles
Our physicians will stabilize the fracture and reset the bone to its proper position to help restore full function and mobility and get you back to enjoying life as quickly as possible. Depending on the type and location of your bone break, we may recommend one of the following treatments:
- Traditional cast: immobilizes the fractured bone and allows it to heal in the correct position
- Functional cast or brace: provides limited and controlled movement of nearby joints (sometimes used after a traditional cast)
- Open reduction with internal fixation: surgery that attaches special screws or metal plates to the outer bone surface or positions metal rods in the center of the bone to hold it together
- Open reduction with external fixation: surgery that places metal pins or screws above and below the fracture to support and immobilize the bone while it heals
Recovering From a Broken Bone
Once the bone has been repaired, we’ll provide follow-up care to ensure you are healing properly or to remove a cast. To help you recover more quickly, your doctor will also offer recommendations, which may include incorporating supplements and exercise.
In some cases, you may need physical therapy. Our dedicated orthopedic rehabilitation team will create a personalized plan designed to strengthen and stretch the muscles around the injury and prevent further damage.