Fracture & Trauma Care

Fracture & Trauma Care

Fractures and orthopaedic trauma can result from falls, road accidents, sports injuries, or other physical impacts. These injuries may affect bones, joints, and surrounding tissues, causing pain, swelling, deformity, and difficulty moving the affected area. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for proper bone healing and recovery of function.

At Dr. Bhavesh Advanced Bone and Joint Clinic, Dr. Bhavesh Patidar provides comprehensive orthopaedic care for fractures and traumatic injuries. Treatment is tailored to the type of fracture, its severity, the patient’s overall health, and the functional requirements of the affected limb.

What Is a Fracture?

A fracture is a break or crack in a bone that occurs when the force applied exceeds the bone’s ability to withstand it. Fractures can range from small cracks to complex breaks involving multiple fragments or nearby joints.

Orthopaedic trauma care focuses on diagnosing these injuries, stabilising the affected bones, managing associated tissue damage, and supporting recovery through appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.

Common Types of Fractures

Different fractures require different treatment approaches. Common types include:

  • Closed fractures – the broken bone does not penetrate the skin.

  • Open fractures – the fracture is associated with a wound that communicates with the broken bone.

  • Displaced fractures – the bone fragments have moved out of their normal alignment.

  • Comminuted fractures – the bone breaks into multiple fragments.

  • Stress fractures – small cracks that develop due to repeated stress.

  • Intra-articular fractures – fractures that extend into a joint surface.

  • Complex fractures – severe injuries involving multiple fragments, joints, or surrounding tissues.

Common Causes of Fractures & Trauma

Fractures and traumatic injuries may occur due to:

  • Road traffic accidents

  • Slips and falls

  • Sports-related injuries

  • Direct impact or physical trauma

  • Workplace accidents

  • Repetitive stress on bones

  • Falls in individuals with reduced bone strength

Symptoms of Fractures

Recognising the signs of a fracture can help ensure timely medical attention. Common symptoms include:

  • Sudden and severe pain

  • Swelling and bruising

  • Tenderness around the injured area

  • Difficulty moving the affected limb

  • Visible deformity

  • Inability to bear weight

  • An open wound near the suspected fracture

Suspected fractures, particularly those involving severe pain, deformity, or open wounds, require prompt medical evaluation.

Diagnosis & Evaluation

Accurate diagnosis is important for determining the type of fracture and selecting the appropriate treatment. Evaluation may include:

  • Detailed assessment of the injury

  • Physical examination of the affected area

  • X-rays to identify the location and alignment of the fracture

  • CT scans for complex or joint-related fractures

  • Assessment of nearby nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissues

Fracture Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the location, severity, and stability of the fracture. Available approaches may include:

  • Casting or splinting to immobilise stable fractures

  • Closed reduction to restore bone alignment without surgery

  • Internal fixation using plates, screws, or rods

  • External fixation for selected complex injuries

  • Surgical treatment for displaced or unstable fractures

  • Rehabilitation and physiotherapy to restore movement and strength

The treatment plan is individualised to support proper bone healing and minimise complications.

Surgical Management of Fractures

Some fractures require surgery to restore normal bone alignment and stability. Depending on the injury, the surgeon may use plates, screws, intramedullary nails, or external fixation devices to hold the bone fragments in position during healing.

In complex injuries, surgical planning also considers the condition of the surrounding soft tissues, blood supply, and nearby joints.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Fracture recovery varies depending on the type of injury, treatment method, age, and overall health. A structured rehabilitation programme may include:

  • Appropriate immobilisation and wound care

  • Regular follow-up imaging

  • Gradual restoration of joint movement

  • Muscle strengthening exercises

  • Weight-bearing progression as advised

  • Physiotherapy to improve balance and function

Following medical instructions and attending scheduled reviews are important for monitoring bone healing and identifying potential complications.