At Tarabishy Orthopedics, we treat various musculoskeletal problems and injuries, including bone fractures.
A bone fracture or a bone break, following an accident or an injury, can be treated and repaired in many ways. Depending on the assessment of our orthopedic specialists in Brooksville, FL, repairing a bone fracture may entail simple procedures or an invasive surgery where metal screws, rods, and plates could be added to stabilize the bones.
Here are three ways to repair a bone fracture, as provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine:
1. Casting
Bone casting or orthopedic casting requires encasing the limb in plaster or fiberglass to repair the fractured bone. It’s often used for the arms, wrist, legs, ankle, or feet, but there are also cases where body casting may be needed if the broken bone is located in the “trunk” of the body.
Casting, undoubtedly, brings some discomfort and restriction in the patient’s mobility. But this procedure is necessary to promote bone healing, maintain bone alignment, and protect the injured part while the bone is repairing and the muscles are still weak. It also reduces the pain of the injury, according to the American Family Physician. Sometimes, the cast includes a brace or splint for added support.
2. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
This procedure requires screwing metal rods or plates to put the bones back together. Open reduction means putting the bones back in its place while internal fixation involves attaching some surgery grade hardware in place of broken bones, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
ORIF is often done on the tibia and fibula, the two long bones in the legs. However, not every patient with leg bone fracture needs this procedure, as a cast with a brace or splint might be enough. A patient might need ORIF only if:
- the fracture has displaced the bone’s structure
- the fracture has broken through the skin
- the bones broke in several pieces
- the old fracture didn’t heal completely
3. Open reduction and external fixation (OREF)
OREF is a surgical technique that stabilizes the fractured bone from outside the skin using a metal frame. Usually, surgeons use this procedure for hands or wrist injuries, but some leg injuries might also benefit from this procedure.
According to our orthopedic doctors in Hernando County, external fixation may be performed if internal fixation won’t work – as in the case of an immunocompromised patient, a non-compliant patient, or a patient with a different kind of bone pathology.
All these bone fracture repair procedures may take six to 12 weeks of healing. Patients might have to undergo physical therapy to regain the full function of their injured limb.
Are you looking for an orthopedic specialist in Brooksville, FL?
Patients who are in need of a trusted orthopedic doctor can always visit our clinic in Brooksville, FL. With years of experience and training under our belt, we are committed to providing our patients with the best orthopedic services. We will guide you through the assessment, surgery, and rehabilitation process, so you are assured of a full recovery.
Consult our orthopedic doctors in Hernando County and Brooksville or Contact Us today if you have any questions. To learn what options best suit your medical needs, please book an appointment.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
