Fracture Care: Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview

A fracture occurs when the force applied to a bone exceeds its strength, causing it to crack or break. Fractures vary widely — from a small hairline crack to a fully displaced or open (compound) fracture.

Correct early management influences how well and how quickly a fracture heals, so timely evaluation after any significant injury is important.

Who It Is For

• Anyone with suspected bone injury after a fall, accident or sports trauma
• Persistent pain, swelling, deformity or inability to bear weight after injury
• Suspected stress fractures from repetitive activity
• Fragility fractures in older adults, often related to osteoporosis

Preparation

Initial evaluation includes history of the injury, clinical examination and X-rays. Further imaging such as CT or MRI may be advised for complex fractures or to assess soft-tissue and joint involvement.

Procedure / How It Works

Treatment depends on the fracture pattern, location, displacement and the patient's age and activity level.

• Non-displaced or stable fractures are often treated with a cast, splint or brace to hold the bone in position while it heals
• Displaced, unstable or joint-involving fractures may need surgical fixation with plates, screws, rods or wires
• Open (compound) fractures need urgent wound care alongside fracture stabilisation
• Associated soft-tissue, nerve or blood vessel injuries are assessed and managed as needed

Recovery

Bone healing time varies with the bone involved, the fracture pattern, the patient's age and general health, and typically ranges from several weeks to a few months.

• Regular follow-up X-rays to monitor healing
• Physiotherapy once the fracture is stable, to restore joint movement and muscle strength
• Gradual return to weight-bearing and activity as guided by the surgeon

Aftercare

• Keep cast or splint dry and intact as instructed
• Attend scheduled follow-up X-rays
• Report increasing pain, numbness, swelling or discolouration promptly
• Follow weight-bearing restrictions carefully to avoid re-injury

Risks / Possible Complications

• Delayed union or non-union (bone not healing properly)
• Malunion (healing in a deformed position)
• Infection, particularly with open fractures or surgical fixation
• Joint stiffness
• Nerve or blood vessel injury in certain fracture patterns

Expected Outcomes

Most fractures heal well with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. Outcomes depend on the specific bone, fracture severity, patient age and adherence to aftercare instructions, and are discussed individually by your surgeon.

Cost Factors

Cost depends on the diagnosis, the tests required, the technology or implant chosen and the length of treatment or follow-up.

The clinic explains the full cost — tests, procedure and follow-up visits — before you agree to treatment. There are no hidden charges.

Insurance and cashless approval depend on your policy and the procedure; the front desk helps with the paperwork wherever a claim applies.

Call the clinic on 070303 11311 for current pricing and insurance details.

Why Choose Dr. Murkute's O2 Bone & Eye Care

• Prompt evaluation by Dr. Vishal Murkute, Orthopaedic Surgeon (MBBS, DNB Orthopaedics)
• On-site X-ray-guided assessment and clear treatment explanation
• Guidance on both conservative and surgical management options
• Coordination with an associated hospital for surgical fixation when required — Sahyadri Superspecialty Hospital (Yerawada), Manipal Hospital (Kharadi) or Medipoint Hospital (Chandannagar); the team confirms the exact venue at your consultation.
• Convenient Kharadi location for urgent and follow-up care