This information is intended to answer some of the more common questions asked by patients in the fracture clinic. The doctor will be able to answer more specific questions about your fracture.
Fracture Information
by Mr TJ Peckham FRCS, Croydon University Hospital.
Q1. Is it a fracture or a break?
Al. Medical staff talk about fractures whereas patients commonly talk about breaks. There is no difference. Fractures which are in a ‘bad’ position require manipulation to put the bones back into a ‘good’ position.
Q2. How will the fracture be put back?
A2. Most fractures can be put back into position by ‘closed’ methods (ie, without cutting the skin). If this fails then ‘open’ methods (ie, by cutting the skin) are required and the bone fragments are put together like a jig-saw puzzle.
Q3. How will the bone fragments be kept together?
A3. We use plaster casts to hold stable fractures in position. Unstable fractures are held together with wires, screws, nails and plates.
Q4. How strong is my fracture?
A4. A fracture heals more quickly in children than in adults. When the plaster cast is removed the limb should be exercised with care according to the instructions of the doctor or physiotherapist. As the fracture heals further the exercise can be increased until the bone returns to full strength.
Q5. How much weight can I put on my leg?
A5. If a fracture is unstable then no weight should be put on it. As the fracture heals more weight can be put on it, eg, partial weight bearing. Eventually full weight can be put on it in plaster and then later on out of plaster. The doctor will tell you precisely how much you can do.
Q6. Does the ‘metal-work’ have to be removed?
A6. Most ‘metal-work’ can be left in the body.
Q7. Why do you have to take so many X-rays?
A7. X-rays are taken initially to see the fracture, then sometimes to check that the bones are in a ‘good’ position and finally if necessary to see that the fracture has healed.
Q8. How much pain should I expect?
A8. Once a fracture is held in a ‘plaster’ it should be much more comfortable. It should not be very painful and the pain will get better over a week or so. If the plaster becomes too tight and painful return immediately to the Accident and Emergency Department.
Q9. Why is there swelling?
A9. Swelling occurs whenever the body is injured. In particular the ankles swell because they are the lowest part of the body. To prevent swelling the arm or leg should be kept up when resting. When on your feet a support bandage should be worn. Swelling may take many months to go away completely. At the fracture site new bone called ‘callus’ forms which may cause a slight bump. In children this will disappear as the bones grow but in adults it may always be noticeable.
Q10. What is bruising?
A10. Broken bones bleed causing bruising under the skin. The bruising can go down the arm or leg and remain for a month or so. This is not serious.
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