A bone fracture is a serious injury that needs immediate medical care and attention. Displaced bones need to be set back to their proper place and immobilized using a cast or splint. You might need physical therapy to help your body return to normal after injury.
Bone fractures usually heal after being immobilized for a long time. If immobilization isn’t enough, surgery may be necessary. It involves using metal implants, putting the bone back into place, or replacing the bone. You might need physical therapy to help your body go back to normal functioning after injury.
Let’s talk about how bone fracture treatments go and where you can find the best orthopaedician for your bone fracture in Plantation, FL
Bone-Setting and Immobilization
Broken bones in the body need to be treated immediately in an urgent care facility or emergency room. The doctor would start diagnosing the fracture.
If the bone got displaced, your provider needs to set it back into its proper place before putting a splint. Sometimes, they may use a splint immediately to help reduce the swelling. After the swelling has gone down, your doctor may apply a cast.
Broken and displaced bones heal when their movements are limited. The bone is immobilized using a splint or cast, allowing the ends of the damaged bones to knit back together.
If you’re experiencing a bone fracture in your foot or leg, you may use crutches or a crane when walking. These mobility aids help avoid using the affected body part and keeping the weight off of your bones. Doctors usually recommend using them for at least 6 weeks.
Traction
You may also need skeletal traction, stretching the muscles, ligaments, and tendons around the fractured bone.
For this procedure, your doctor may use strings, weights, pulleys, and a metal frame. They will pull the tissues around the bone in a certain direction, helping it heal and align.
Medication
Medications like ibuprofen (Motrin, IB, and Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help relieve pain. If the pain persists, your doctor might recommend a stronger dose. They may also prescribe medication to prevent blood clotting and the spreading of infection.
Surgery
Usually, using casts and splints for immobilization is enough to heal fractures. However, sometimes, surgery is necessary, like when your doctor needs to put the bone back in place.
The operation depends on the fracture type, bone displacement, and your age and medical history.
You may need surgery for the following cases:
- Fractures or loose bone fragments that could damage a joint
- Fracture was due to a crushing accident
- Surrounding ligaments are torn
- Displaced or unstable fractures
- Multiple fractures
Bone surgery includes using rods, screws, and plates to keep the bone in position as they heal. These implants can be removed later on if they cause pain or protrude from the body.
Sometimes, bone replacement may be necessary for severe bone fractures. Total bone replacement involves replacing the damaged bone with artificial parts or prostheses. The operation is cost-effective and can provide long-term results. Doctors recommend it for people who live on their own.
Another surgical procedure is a partial bone replacement. It is usually for those with pre-existing conditions who cannot live independently.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
After removing the cast or splint requires physical therapy to restore your mobility. Staying idle or unmoving for a long time makes them stiff and the surrounding muscles weaker.
Physical therapy helps reduce stiffness and get your muscles used to moving again. It also enables you to regain flexibility and strength.
You might need to undergo rehabilitation for a few months for serious injuries.
Sometimes, you may need an extended care facility. It depends on your surgery and whether there’s available help at home.
An occupational therapist can help you to get back to normal functioning. They teach daily activities, such as bathing, cooking, dressing, and toilet use. The therapist will also determine if you need a wheelchair or walker.
Bone Fracture Treatments in Plantation, FL
If you or your loved ones have a bone fracture, visit no other than Baylis and Brown Orthopedics. It has many qualified and board-certified orthopedics who can diagnose and treat your bone fracture. We offer many services geared towards treating musculoskeletal pain. Call us at (954) 476-8800 or set an appointment online with the best orthopedic doctor near you. We look forward to serving you!
