Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville logo.

Fracture Care

Fracture care is essential for anyone who has sustained a broken bone. From minor stress fractures to severe open fractures, timely and effective treatment is key to ensuring proper healing and restoring function. Whether caused by a sports injury, accident, or underlying health condition, fractures require specialized care to reduce pain, promote recovery, and prevent complications.

At Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, our expert team provides comprehensive fracture care to patients in Zanesville, Ohio, and surrounding areas. With a focus on personalized treatment and advanced techniques, we help our patients recover quickly and return to their normal activities. Contact us today!

What is Fracture Care?

Fracture care encompasses the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of broken bones. It involves a range of techniques to stabilize the fractured bone, relieve pain, and support the healing process. Depending on the severity and location of the fracture site, treatment can include non-surgical options like immobilization, as well as surgical interventions to realign and stabilize the bone.

A woman with a bandaged hand that has a fracture in Zanesville, Ohio.

Causes of Fractures

Fractures can occur for several reasons, including:

Symptoms of a Broken Bone

Common symptoms of a fracture include the following:

At Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, we treat a variety of fractures, including:

We provide treatment for the following common fractures:

Diagnosis of Fractures

Diagnosing a fracture begins with a thorough physical examination, during which your doctor will check for signs like swelling, tenderness, and deformity. At this time, they will also ask about how the injury occurred.

Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, are typically used to confirm the type and location of the fracture. Once a diagnosis is made, the appropriate treatment plan is determined based on the severity and complexity of the fracture.

Treatment Offered at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville

Fracture care at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville includes both surgical and non-surgical options, depending on the specific needs of the patient. Our approach is tailored to provide the best possible outcome for each individual.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Some fractures can be treated using the following non-surgical treatments:

  1. Immobilization: The use of a cast, brace, or splint to keep the bone in place while it heals is common in less severe fractures. Immobilization reduces movement and helps the bone mend correctly.
  2. Closed Reduction or Manipulation: For fractures where the bone fragments are out of alignment, a reduction procedure is performed to manually realign the bone. The bones are then held in place by immobilization.

Surgical Treatments

In some cases, fractures will require surgery. We offer the following surgical treatments for fractures:

  1. Internal Fixation: Metal plates, screws, pins, wires, or rods may be used to stabilize the fracture. These materials are inserted through small incisions or full open incisions, depending on the fracture’s complexity.
  2. External Fixation: This is a temporary stabilization method where an external frame outside the body is secured using pins or screws that are inserted into the bone above and below the fracture site. This technique is commonly used in cases of severe trauma or when soft tissue damage prohibits immediate internal fixation.
  3. Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): When a fracture is severe or complex, open surgery is performed to realign the bones. Internal fixation is then used to stabilize the fracture.
  4. Treatment of Open Fractures: Open fractures, where the bone has pierced through the skin, require urgent care. Treatment involves thoroughly cleaning the wound, realigning the bones, and stabilizing them with internal fixation.
  5. Stress Fracture Management: Stress fractures usually heal with rest and immobilization. However, when these fractures do not heal properly, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Recovery from a Fracture

Recovery from a fracture depends on the type and severity of the break, as well as the treatment provided. The healing process typically involves a period of immobilization, followed by gradual rehabilitation exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility. Our team at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville works closely with patients throughout their recovery, offering guidance and support to ensure optimal outcomes.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you’ve sustained a fracture and need expert care, trust the experienced team at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville. We provide personalized, state-of-the-art fracture care and sports medicine, from diagnosis through recovery. Contact our office in Zanesville, OH, today for the care you need to get back on your feet!

Medically reviewed by Benjamin R. Pulley, MD, FAAOS

Testimonials

Stay Connected