Bone Fractures Treatment Clinic Q&A

Orthopedic surgeons are specially trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions or injuries that affect the musculoskeletal system, including fractures. If you are suffering from a fracture, you will likely be referred to or recommended to visit an orthopedic surgeon, as they will typically be the most qualified medical professional to provide you with expert care and treatment options to help your fracture heal properly. The methods that an orthopedic surgeon will often use to treat a fracture (although this will vary depending on the severity and location of the fracture) include casting, splinting, or surgery.

Orthopedic surgeons will typically use a combination of methods or tools to accurately diagnose and treat fractures. An initial physical examination is used to assess the affected area for typical signs of a fracture, including swelling, tenderness, or a physical deformity. If a physical examination is inconclusive, orthopedic surgeons may also order diagnostic imaging tests such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to obtain a clear picture of the affected bone to confirm whether the injury is a fracture, as well as the type and extent of the fracture to ensure an accurate course of treatment. These imaging tests provide the orthopedic surgeon with any necessary information, including the precise location of the fracture, to guide them in the development of an appropriate and effective treatment plan.

Fractures can sometimes be diagnosed based on symptoms alone, including swelling, pain, bruising tenderness, deformity, or difficulty moving or using the affected area. It is also possible for there to be a visible protrusion of the bone. However, most of these symptoms are also seen in sprains, which are typically less severe than fractures, making it sometimes difficult for an accurate diagnosis to be determined without the use of diagnostic imaging tools. The differences in the symptoms include fractures often having more severe pain or tenderness that is localized to the affected bone, whereas sprains will typically not result in a visible deformity and will have more generalized swelling and tenderness around the affected area. If the diagnosis is inconclusive in determining if the injury is a fracture or a sprain, an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI will likely be used to more accurately assess the injury and then develop an effective treatment plan.

It is entirely possible and fairly common for fractures to heal without requiring surgery. Only more complex fractures are likely to need surgery, specifically if the bones are misaligned, to realign and stabilize the fracture. The vast majority of fractures will only need a cast, splint, or brace to immobilize the bone and allow it to heal naturally with time. Sometimes other non-surgical treatment options will be recommended, such as rest, pain management, or physical therapy, to further support a healthy healing process. The healing process and the extent of necessary interventions are entirely dependent on the type, location, and severity of the fracture, with the overall health of the patient also being a contributing factor. It will be up to your orthopedic surgeon to assess each situation and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment.

Our highly experienced orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Thomas Gautsch, MD, provides comprehensive care for a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries and health conditions, including fractures. From the initial diagnosis to ongoing on-site physical therapy, patients at Southern Sports Medicine Institute can expect to receive great quality care for any degree of fracturing through a personalized treatment that provides them with all of the support and interventions necessary.

If you have a bone fracture and are looking for treatment, come to the Southern Sports Medicine Institute. Dr. Thomas Gautsch, MD, offers comprehensive treatments for injuries and fractures. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online today! We serve patients from Gallatin TN, Nashville TN, Portland TN, Hendersonville TN, Lafayette TN, Castalian Springs TN, Westmoreland TN, Hartsville TN, Cottontown TN, Old Hickory TN, Goodlettsville TN, Springfield TN, Red Boiling Springs TN, White House TN, Lebanon TN, Greenbrier TN, Bowling Green KY, Bethpage TN, Lavergne TN, Franklin TN, Hermitage TN and Mount Juliet TN.