What Is Fracture Care?
Fracture care involves the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of broken bones and traumatic musculoskeletal injuries. Fractures can range from small stress fractures to severe traumatic injuries involving multiple bones or joints.
Broken bones may occur from falls, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, or repetitive stress. Prompt evaluation and treatment are important to ensure proper healing, restore function, and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
At Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists, our fellowship-trained orthopedic and trauma specialists provide comprehensive fracture care using advanced diagnostic tools and treatment techniques designed to support healing and recovery.
Symptoms of a Fracture
- Sudden pain after injury
- Swelling or bruising
- Difficulty moving the injured area
- Visible deformity in severe fractures
- Tenderness over the bone
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Numbness or weakness in some injuries
Causes & Risk Factors
Fractures commonly occur when the force placed on a bone exceeds its strength.
- Falls or direct trauma
- Sports-related injuries
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Repetitive stress and overuse
- Osteoporosis or weakened bone density
- High-impact physical activity
Diagnosis
At Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists, diagnosis begins with a detailed evaluation of the injured area and surrounding structures.
- Physical examination of the injury
- Assessment of swelling, alignment, and mobility
- Review of symptoms and injury history
- X-rays to confirm fracture location and severity
- CT or MRI imaging when needed for complex injuries
Accurate diagnosis helps determine the most appropriate treatment plan and supports proper bone healing.
Treatment Options for Fractures
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many fractures can heal successfully with conservative treatment and proper immobilization. Non-surgical treatment options may include:
- Casting or splinting
- Bracing or immobilization devices
- Activity restriction and rest
- Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy during recovery
- Follow-up imaging to monitor healing
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be recommended for severe, displaced, unstable, or complex fractures. Surgical treatment may involve plates, screws, rods, pins, or other fixation techniques designed to stabilize the bone and support proper healing. Our orthopedic trauma specialists use advanced surgical techniques designed to restore function and mobility safely.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Recovery timelines vary depending on the location and severity of the fracture.
- Bone healing may take several weeks to months
- Physical therapy often helps restore strength and mobility
- Gradual return to activity helps reduce reinjury risk
- Follow-up care is important to monitor healing progress
Our team works closely with patients throughout rehabilitation to help restore movement, strength, and long-term function after injury.
Why Choose Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists?
Local Care, Close to Home
We proudly serve patients throughout Delaware and nearby communities, including Wilmington, Newark, Middletown, Stanton, North Wilmington, and Chadds Ford. Our orthopedic specialists provide expert fracture care close to home.
At Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists, our fellowship-trained physicians provide comprehensive fracture treatment and orthopedic trauma care.
- Experienced orthopedic and trauma specialists
- Advanced imaging and fracture evaluation
- Comprehensive non-surgical and surgical treatment options
- Personalized rehabilitation and recovery plans
- Convenient locations throughout Delaware and nearby Pennsylvania
Schedule an Appointment
Schedule an appointment with Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists today to receive expert fracture care and orthopedic evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I think I broke a bone?
Seek medical evaluation promptly, especially if severe pain, swelling, deformity, or inability to bear weight is present.
How long does a fracture take to heal?
Healing times vary depending on the bone and injury severity, but many fractures heal within several weeks to months.
Do all fractures require surgery?
No. Many fractures heal successfully with casting, splinting, or bracing, though severe or unstable fractures may require surgery.
Will I need physical therapy after a fracture?
Physical therapy is often recommended to help restore strength, flexibility, and normal movement after healing.
When should I see a fracture specialist?
If you experience sudden pain, swelling, deformity, or difficulty moving or bearing weight after an injury, it is important to seek orthopedic evaluation.