How to treat a fracture?

Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Patients with bone fractures, due to the force applied causing partial fractures in the bone, do not necessarily represent a complete break and won’t exhibit noticeable symptoms of displacement or misalignment. Generally, patients with bone fractures only require a plaster cast for immobilization, typically for about four weeks. After a month, you can visit the hospital to get an X-ray to check for osseous union at the fracture ends. If the fracture ends have achieved osseous union, then normal activities and weight-bearing walking can be resumed. Thus, for bone fractures, simply applying a plaster cast for immobilization for four weeks is sufficient.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Can you move with a bone fracture?

Patients with fractures must absolutely avoid activity, as premature movement before callus formation can impede the growth of the fracture and even lead to the possibility of misalignment at the fracture site, which would be problematic. To promote quick recovery from a fracture, it is essential to rigorously use supports, plaster casts, or splints for external fixation. Only after callus formation can the external fixation be removed. Then, heat washing can be used to strengthen joint flexion and extension movements to restore normal joint mobility and, thereby, normal function in the patient.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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How long does a bone fracture hurt?

Usually, for patients with bone fractures, it takes about one to two weeks of pain. This is because as time goes on, the local area enters the fibrous connection phase, which offers better stability, so the pain gradually subsides. For early-stage pain symptoms, if they are unbearable, one can still choose to treat them with medication. For instance, applying topical ointments that invigorate blood circulation and dissipate stasis, taking oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs, and administering pain relief injections can all alleviate the pain symptoms of patients with bone fractures. Additionally, for patients with fractures, promoting rapid recovery of the fracture is very crucial, and strict rest and protection are key. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Can I apply heat to a bone fracture?

Bone fissures clinically are referred to as hairline fractures, which are cracks appearing in the bone cortex. However, the stability of the bone still exists, and conservative treatment can be chosen, utilizing limb supports or plaster for external fixation to facilitate the healing of the fracture. During the acute phase of the bone condition, we do not recommend applying heat, but suggest cold compresses instead, to reduce bleeding and alleviate swelling. After the acute phase, appropriate heat application can be considered to promote circulation around the area, thereby aiding the healing of the fracture fissures and the fracture itself.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Can a bone fracture heal by itself?

A bone fissure is actually a type of fracture where there is a crack in the cortical bone, but the stability of the bone is maintained. Symptoms of a bone fissure can include pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Therefore, it should be treated like a fracture, for example, by properly immobilizing and resting the area which can promote the healing of the fracture. As long as proper immobilization and rest are ensured, a bone fissure can heal on its own. However, it is crucial to monitor the blood supply around the fracture and the swelling to avoid symptoms of compartment syndrome. It is also important to pay attention to the joints at the distal end of the affected limb to prevent joint stiffness after prolonged immobilization.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Is the bone fracture serious?

Is a bone fracture serious? First, it needs to be clarified that a bone fracture is indeed very serious. This indicates that the external force involved at the time was quite strong, disrupting the continuity and integrity of the local bone. It usually manifests as local swelling, pain, and restricted movement. Some patients may experience extensive subcutaneous bruising, and even a low fever, so a bone fracture is indeed very serious. For such patients, active treatment with plaster cast immobilization is necessary, elevating the affected limb, and using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, as well as drugs that promote fracture healing.