Fracture Repair
Fracture Repair
Whether you've been repeating a certain motion with your body that’s led to a stress fracture or been the recipient of a direct hit on the soccer field, a bone fracture is one of the more common injuries that you can experience. Fractures can occur with either a partial or complete break of the bone. When this type of injury occurs, seek treatment immediately to ensure that the fracture heals properly. At Treasure Valley Hospital we utilize fracture repair to treat fractures.
What Is Fracture Repair?
Fracture repair is a surgical treatment that's designed to reposition the bone that's been fractured so that it can heal properly. If the bone isn't reset to its original position before the healing process occurs, the bone can heal in the wrong position, which can adversely affect your movement. This surgery is typically used for severe fractures in situations where a cast isn't enough. The surgery uses any combination of rods, pins, plates, and screws to hold the fractured bone together.
How Is It Diagnosed?
If you suspect that you're suffering from a bone fracture, you can visit one of our affiliated surgeons to have this condition diagnosed. A standard visual examination is usually all that's necessary to identify there’s been a fracture since it is generally accompanied by swelling, bruising or the bone sticking out. In addition, x-rays are administered to better understand the nature of the fracture, including the severity and exact location. Additional testing such as bone scans, MRI scans, and CT scans may be necessary in certain situations. A fracture repair surgery is usually scheduled when the fracture affects joints around the ankle or wrist or when the bone is erupting from the skin.
How Is It Treated?
The fracture repair surgery usually takes a few hours to complete. You will either be provided with local anesthesia that will numb the area surrounding the fracture or general anesthesia that puts you to sleep during the treatment. Incisions are made around the fracture to make room for the placement of screws, rods, or plates. The bone will then be set. In some situations, a bone graft will be taken from another area of your body if some of the bone around the fracture was shattered. The incisions will then be closed and stitches applied.
About The Recovery Process
The recovery process for a fracture repair usually lasts anywhere from 6-8 weeks depending on the severity of the fracture. You may need to stay in a recovery room for a day following the treatment so that we can monitor your initial recovery. Once you go home, you will need to closely follow your surgeon's instructions about how to care for the treatment site. Pain and swelling is common in the week or two following the surgery. If ever these symptoms worsen, contact your surgeon right away.
Why Choose TVH For This Surgery?
Treasure Valley Hospital is your best choice for your fracture repair surgery. We provide high-quality care at lower costs. Our hospital is considered the best physician-owned hospital in Idaho, which is due to the above-average patient care we provide and the personalized experience we offer. If you're considering a fracture repair surgery, get in touch with one of our surgeons today to schedule your initial consultation.