An orthopedic surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions and injuries that affect the body’s musculoskeletal system. When you experience a bone fracture or break, orthopedic surgeons can manage your injury at every stage, from the first examination to your recovery. They focus on supporting proper bones while also restoring function. Here is some information on how orthopedic surgeons approach bone fractures and breaks:
Condition Assessment
An orthopedic surgeon’s initial assessment typically begins with a physical exam. They check for symptoms like swelling, bruising, and tenderness over the injured area. They also look for any visible deformities, such as an unnatural angle or shortening of the limb, which might indicate the type or severity of the break. Details about the injury’s occurrence help provide context and inform the approach to treatment.
Diagnostic imaging is usually the next step. X-rays are frequently used because they provide a clear image of the fracture’s location and how the bone pieces are positioned. For complex injuries, like those involving the hip or spine, a CT scan or MRI might be ordered. These advanced tests reveal subtle cracks or soft tissue injuries that are less obvious on an X-ray.
Bone Realignment
Once the fracture’s type and location are understood, the focus shifts to realignment. This is called reduction, and it aims to guide the bone fragments back into their proper positions. Accurate realignment supports the body’s natural healing process and may reduce the chance of long-term problems. The selected method depends on factors like the break’s shape or whether the skin has been broken. Reduction methods include:
- Closed reduction: In this non-surgical procedure, the surgeon manually moves the bone, usually under local anesthesia or mild sedation, to prevent discomfort. Closed reduction works well for simple, stable fractures where the bone has only shifted a little.
- Open reduction: This involves surgery to expose the bone and use special tools and implants, such as metal plates, screws, pins, or rods, to keep the pieces stable. This approach provides better alignment for difficult breaks and is used for injuries involving joints or where bones have punctured the skin.
Immobilization Options
Keeping the bone still while it heals is a key part of fracture management, and an orthopedic surgeon has various immobilization options to offer. Casts are commonly recommended. Made from plaster or fiberglass, casts are tailored to fit your specific limb. They provide support and keep the bones from moving, which helps maintain the alignment achieved during reduction.
Splints are another option. A splint partially surrounds the limb, making it easier to adjust or remove. It is helpful in the days following injury when swelling is present. After swelling has decreased, a cast might be applied for more secure immobilization. Functional braces are an alternative for fractures in certain locations, like the forearm or lower leg. These braces limit movement but allow for some controlled activity in nearby joints, which can help preserve strength and flexibility during recovery.
Work With an Orthopedic Surgeon
Managing a bone fracture is a multi-step process that relies on accuracy and expert oversight. Orthopedic surgeons assess your injury with detailed examinations and imaging, select suitable realignment methods, and choose immobilization tools for your recovery plan. Schedule a consultation with a specialist to receive a thorough evaluation and a recovery plan suited to your needs.
