Fracture Care Options
Fracture Care Options
UR Medicine is renowned for its joint replacement program at Highland Hospital. But not every patient seen at Highland needs a joint replaced. As an affiliate of the UR Medicine system, every one of our surgeons is part of the faculty at UR Medicine Orthopaedics. This means you benefit from not only time-tested techniques and experience, but also the latest advances in research and training.
Fractures can occur to anyone, at any time in their life. Treatment of a fracture is focused on restoring function as quickly and as fully as possible. There are millions of broken bones each year and we see thousands of cases. Any type of fracture can be painful and requires prompt medical attention and care. If you are seen at Highland Hospital for treatment of your fracture, we can see you quickly, and you will receive world-class medical care in the comfort of a community hospital.
We treat patients who have breaks from falls, accidents, and myriad other reasons. These injuries can be simple or complex and include:
- Isolated breaks
- Stress fractures
- Multiple fractures
- Fractures with joint involvement
- Open fractures (bone is exposed outside of a wound)
- Non-union fractures (fractures that do not heal)
- Malunion fractures (fractures that heal incorrectly)
Our orthopaedic experts also understand that fractures can have numerous complications, such as shock, blood clots, wounds and tissue damage. We know how to identify and treat these coexisting conditions and Highland Hospital is well equipped to handle any such case.
Our orthopaedic team has extensive experience in non-surgical and surgical therapies for all types of fractures in any part of the body. Our services and treatments include:
- Medication to ease and manage pain
- Splinting and casting to immobilize the bone
- Internal fixation, including the implantation of plates, screws, pins and rods to set bones and facilitate healing
- External fixation, including pins, screws and rods placed outside the body to set bones and facilitate healing. External fixators are sometimes used prior to surgical treatment.
- Surgery, including minimally invasive surgery performed through small incisions
At Highland Hospital, You’ll receive compassionate care in the comfort of a community hospital, backed by the leading-edge technology and research at UR Medicine. Our entire team is focused on your success, made easier by our dedicated state-of-the-art orthopaedic operating rooms, should you need surgery.
If your fracture requires surgery, you will be see at a UR medicine location that is best suited for your injury, overall health, and urgency. Highland Hospital is a a key surgery center for UR Medicine Orthopaedics and features dedicated, state-of-the-art orthopaedic operating rooms at the Evarts Joint Center.
On the day of your surgery, you’ll go to the Highland Surgery Center. The elapsed time from operating room to leaving the post-anesthesia care unit is usually about 4 hours. Your companions can track your progress and will be notified when your surgery is complete.
If your surgery requires an overnight stay, a social worker will work with you to discuss your discharge, and your nurse will review your discharge instructions with you.
Some patients need more care and a skilled nursing facility (a nursing home that provides rehab services) may be recommended. Your insurance plan will dictate whether a skilled nursing facility is an option for you. You should discuss your coverage with your insurance provider.
You Make the Difference! You will play a huge role in the success of your surgery and your recovery. It’s important that you be proactive and participate in your physical therapy program. The more committed and enthusiastic you are, the quicker your improvement will be.
During your first few weeks at home, you will adapt what you’ve learned at the hospital to your own setting. A few key reminders for when you first return home:
- You must protect yourself from falling and keep your fracture site in safe positions while you heal.
- You should plan for someone to stay with you for several days when you first go home.
- Depending on your particular injury, you might not be able to drive until your doctor or physical therapist says it is okay to do so.
Here the are answers to questions we have heard most often. Please feel free to contact us to get your specific questions answered.
Depending on the severity of the fracture, bones can take weeks to several months to heal. The average bone healing time is between 6 –8 weeks, although it can vary depending on the type and site of the injury and the age and health of the person.
Symptoms of a bone fracture can vary widely and depend on the particular bone and injury severity, but might include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Deformity
- Inability to use the joint or limb
Your doctors will use medical imaging, including x-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans. This allows the doctor to assess the injury and align the bone pieces for proper healing. Some complicated fractures might require surgery.
Depending on where the fracture is and how severe, treatment may include:
- Splints – to stop movement of the broken limb
- Braces – to support the bone
- Casts – to provide support and immobilize the bone
- Surgically inserted metal rods or plates – to hold the bone pieces together
- Pain relief