How are fractures treated?
The way that a fracture is treated depends on the specific type of fracture pattern. Broken bones, like cut skin, need a calm, stable environment in order to heal. If a broken bone is acceptably aligned, it can often be immobilized in either a cast or brace until it heals. Breaks that involve the articular surface of the joint or are significantly displaced or angulated often need surgical reduction and fixation. Plates, screws, bands, and external fixators are common methods to fix a fracture. The fixation device is only needed to stabilize the fracture in acceptable reduction until the bone heals, and once the fracture heals the hardware actually doesn’t give the bone any additional strength. Hardware is usually left in the body unless there is a specific reason to remove it.
