How are broken bones treated?
The treatment for a broken Bone hinges on the type and severity of the fracture. Broadly, treatment aims to achieve three main goals: realignment of the broken bone fragments, immobilization to facilitate healing, and pain management. For minor fractures with minimal displacement, immobilization with a cast or splint is often sufficient. Casts are typically made of plaster or fiberglass and encase the injured bone and surrounding joint to restrict movement and promote healing. Splints, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and might be used for certain fractures or during the initial stages of healing before transitioning to a cast.
In more complex fractures with significant displacement, realignment might be necessary. This could involve a closed reduction, where the doctor manipulates the bone fragments back into their proper position without surgery. In some cases, surgery might be required to achieve proper alignment. This may involve inserting pins, plates, or screws to hold the bone fragments in place while they heal.
