Rehabilitation for Fractures and Broken Bones

Broken bones, also known as fractures, are a frequent occurrence that can stem from various incidents, such as car accidents, sports-related injuries, and falls. The healing journey for a fracture is intricate and requires meticulous management to ensure the bone mends correctly and functionality is regained.

The experienced doctors and physical therapists at our Roswell injury clinic can help you recover from broken bones. We also have offices across Georgia, including in Atlanta. If you have been the victim of an accident, we can help you get the medical care and the legal help that you need.

Contact Hurt911 today for a free consultation.

Fractures vs. Broken Bones: Clearing the Confusion

In everyday language, the terms “fracture” and “broken bone” are often used interchangeably. However, in the realm of medical terminology, “fracture” is the term more commonly used.

Fractures

A fracture is a condition where a bone is partially or completely cracked or broken. Fractures can be either complete or partial, and the treatment methods employed by doctors depend on the location, type, and severity of the fracture.

Some fractures may only need a brace for treatment, while others might require surgery or metal plates. Continuous strain on a bone, such as from running, can also lead to small fractures, often referred to as stress fractures or hairline fractures.

Broken Bones

A broken bone and a fractured bone are essentially the same. The choice of term, whether “fracture” or “broken bone” can depend on the healthcare provider’s preference, but both terms refer to a bone that has been damaged, often due to excessive force.

Primary Treatment

Following a fracture, the bone will be set, or reduced, by a medical professional. This reduction can be done manually, but for more severe fractures, a surgical procedure known as open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) may be required. This procedure ensures that all fragments of the bone are in the right place, allowing healing to take place.

Post-fracture, the bone often needs to be stabilized or immobilized to ensure it heals properly. This is typically achieved using a cast. For simple fractures, a removable cast may be applied to allow gentle motion around the injury site. After complex fractures or an ORIF procedure, a non-removable cast may be necessary.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Physical therapy plays a vital role in the rehabilitation process post-fracture. A physiotherapist can assist you in regaining a normal range of motion, strength, and functional mobility after a fracture.

In the Hospital

Post-fracture, a physiotherapist may visit you in the hospital. If you’ve broken your leg or ankle, a physiotherapist may guide you on how to walk with an assistive device, such as a cane or crutches. This includes instructions on how to use the device to navigate stairs or to get in and out of a car.

At Home

Once you’re home, the rehabilitation process continues. Your physiotherapist can help you understand weight-bearing restrictions and can teach you how to move around while still adhering to these restrictions. If you’ve fractured your arm, you may need to keep your arm in a sling to aid healing. In the hospital, your physiotherapist may teach you how to apply and remove the sling.

Healing Duration

The healing duration for a fracture depends on the nature and extent of the injury, the stability of fracture fixation, and biological processes. The repairing or reparative phase begins within the first few days after the bone fracture and lasts for about 2 – 3 weeks. During this time, the body develops cartilage and tissue in and around the fracture site.

Call Our Roswell Injury Center Today!

Rehabilitation for fractures and broken bones is a comprehensive process that involves initial treatment, physiotherapy, and careful management of the healing process. By adhering to the advice of healthcare providers and physiotherapists, patients can expect to regain normal function and return to their regular activities.

At Hurt 911, we have a team of highly trained medical professionals who specialize in treating accident victims. We also work with a team of the best personal injury lawyers in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. There is ZERO out-of-pocket cost to be seen by a HURT 911 doctor. Your doctor and lawyer get paid when you win your case.

Contact us today at 404-687-9000 for a free consultation.