Los Angeles Fracture treatment for fracture. Causes of fracture include trauma, osteoporosis, or overuse (this is known as a stress fracture). Simple fracture most common type, compound fracture-skin is broken by the bone. Treatment consists of fixation by pins and/or a cast.

What are The Types & Characteristics of Fractures?

• Simple Fracture - The bone is broken, but the skin is not lacerated.
• Compound Fracture - The skin may be pierced by the bone or by a blow that breaks the skin at the time of the fracture. The bone may or may not be visible in the wound.
• Comminuted Fracture - The bone is broken in several places with at least 3 bone fragments.

What Causes Fractures?

You may develop a fracture from:

• Osteoporosis – thinning of the bones makes them susceptible to fractures
• Trauma – this is the most common cause of fractures. For example, an auto accident can cause trauma which results in a fracture.
• Overuse – Athletes can sometimes develop stress fractures from excessive activity.
• Tumors that grow on or near bones (rare).

What Does Treatment for Fractures Involve?

• Casting – After the broken bones have been manipulated back into their proper positions, a plaster or fiberglass cast is applied to keep the bones from moving while they heal.
• External fixation – Pins or wires are set into the bone through the skin above and below the fracture. These are connected to a ring or a bar outside the skin that holds the pins in place. After the bones have healed, the pins are removed.
• Internal fixation – In a surgical procedure, metal rods, wires, or screws are inserted in the bone fragments to keep them together.

What Are The Advantages Of Surgery?

The fracture is set back into place so it can heal.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

Usually just the placement of a cast, brace, pins, or splints, followed by their removal is all that is required.

What Are My Alternatives for Treating Fractures?

Very small fractures may heal with no treatment at all. However, any significant fractures have no real alternatives to proper medical intervention; complications such as infection can arise if proper treatment is not performed.

Will I Have Pain?

Fracture is very often extremely painful. Pain usually stops long before the fracture is solid enough to handle the stresses of normal activity.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

This depends on the particular type and extent of the fracture, but fractured bones typically take at least 4 weeks to heal. You may be able to be fitted with a cast or splint, and return to work or school with a cane or crutches.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

The surgery will be performed by one of our highly-trained orthopedic surgeons.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover Treatment of Fractures?

Most insurance companies will cover these procedures.