Don't Let a Fracture Sideline You: Understanding Your Treatment Options

Whether it’s from a sports accident or a fall on stairs, a bone fracture changes your daily routine. If it’s in your right ankle or leg, you most likely won’t be able to drive or play sports for a while. If it’s in your elbow, your arm is likely going to be in a sling. 

At Peninsula Orthopedic Associates, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons treat a wide variety of bone fractures. We promptly diagnose the type of fracture you have and explain the most effective treatment plan to get you back in the game safely. 

You may think that a fracture means surgery, but that’s not always the case. Many fractures heal well with conservative treatment. It depends on a few factors, including the type of fracture and whether it involves a joint. 

Some fractures heal faster than others, depending on their location and degree of severity. 

Types of fractures that don’t require surgery 

Some types of fractures that we can usually treat conservatively include:

• Stress fractures, very small cracks in the bone
• Stable and nondisplaced fractures, broken bones that are still aligned and haven’t moved far out of place
• Greenstick fracture, in which the bone bends and cracks but doesn’t completely break
• Some spinal fractures 

Conservative treatment options for fractures 

Here are treatment options for fractures that don’t require surgery. 

Closed reduction 

If the broken bones are somewhat out of alignment, we may manually manipulate them into correct alignment. Don’t worry; you’ll have local or general anesthesia for the procedure. 

Cast or splint 

If your broken bone is still aligned well, we may place a cast or a splint on the injured area. A cast has a hard outer layer of plaster or fiberglass applied over a soft liner against your skin. We let you know how long the injured area needs to remain in the cast. 

Splints are usually made of plastic, fiberglass, or metal. Some are made of a thermoplastic material molded to fit the shape of the injury. Your splint may or may not be removable. 

Brace 

If you have a minor fracture, we may recommend a brace, which helps to support and immobilize the injured area while you’re healing. You can remove the brace when you bathe or perform physical therapy exercises.  

Walking boot 

If you have a stress fracture, you need to rest the area and keep pressure off of it. Depending on its severity, we may prescribe a splint, cast, or walking boot. 

Types of fractures that require surgery 

If you have a severe fracture in which the bone is sticking through your skin, you need surgery for the bone to heal correctly and to help prevent infection. Joint fractures also require surgery to ensure joint function. 

If your bone shatters into pieces, you need surgery to place the pieces in correct alignment while you’re healing. Likewise, if a broken bone is out of alignment, you may need surgery to correct it. 

Healing a fracture after surgery

Nonsurgical fractures usually take 6-8 weeks to heal, depending on the type, severity, and location of the fracture, and your age and health. 

Areas with better blood flow, like the arm, may heal more rapidly than an ankle fracture with less blood circulation. A surgical fracture can take 6-12 weeks to heal, or longer, depending on the fracture. 

Aids to faster healing 

Here are some tips to help you heal safely and as fast as possible.

Follow your doctor’s instructions

Always follow our oral and written guidance. If we tell you that you can’t bear weight for two weeks, don’t try to do so earlier. Use your aids, such as a brace or splint, properly. Attend physical therapy as directed and perform the exercises at home. 

Eat a healthy diet and take vitamins 

Eat a healthy diet while you’re healing. Bone growth depends on proper nutrition. Consume plenty of lean protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Avoid sugary, salty, processed foods. Older adults should take a vitamin D supplement with calcium citrate and vitamin C. 

Don’t use tobacco 

If you smoke, you likely already know that smoking retards healing. Make a concerted effort to quit using tobacco products. 

For expert care of broken bones and all of your musculoskeletal concerns, call us at Peninsula Orthopedic Associates or request an appointment through our online portal today. We have locations in Daly City, Menlo Park, and Los Gatos, California.