When does a broken bone require surgery instead of just a standard cast?

Surgery is required if the fracture is unstable, involves a joint surface, has broken through the skin (open fracture), or if the bone pieces are displaced and cannot heal straight without direct physical realignment.

Are the plates and screws permanently left inside the body?

In most situations, the internal fixation hardware is left inside permanently. They are made of biocompatible materials like titanium and are only removed if they become irritated, loose, or cause local discomfort down the road.

Fracture Repair Surgery

If you break a bone, fracture repair surgery can reduce the risk of complications and encourage your body’s natural healing process. At Twin Palm Orthopedics, Derek Farr, DO, and Nirav Gupta, DO, boast years of experience performing fracture repair surgery, including treating complex issues like distal radius fractures. To make an appointment at the practice in Ocala, Florida, call the office or request one online today.

What is fracture repair surgery?

Fracture repair is a type of orthopedic surgery that heals a broken bone. Most minor fractures respond to traditional treatments like casting and splinting. However, more complex issues may require surgical intervention.

During fracture repair, your Twin Palm Orthopedics provider inserts artificial components like screws, rods, or plates through small incisions in your skin. These components surgically align your bones and stabilize them, encouraging the healing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of issues can benefit from fracture repair surgery?

At Twin Palm Orthopedics, the team uses fracture repair surgery to treat various issues, including:

Compound fractures

A compound fracture occurs when a bone breaks into several pieces and pierces your skin. This type of fracture is especially painful and often occurs due to a high-energy event, like a car accident or dropping something heavy on your foot.

Distal radius fractures

A distal radius fracture occurs when the radius bone at the base of your wrist breaks into several pieces. Usually, it’s the result of a fall. If you experience an unstable fracture that doesn’t respond to conservative care, the team might recommend surgery.

How do I prepare for fracture repair surgery?

Before fracture repair surgery, you undergo an initial consultation. At the appointment, let your Twin Palm Orthopedics provider know about the medications, vitamins, and supplements you regularly take.

After gathering that information and reviewing your medical history, your provider conducts an exam and takes a series of X-rays or a CT scan. They use the images to assess the severity of your fracture and develop a custom surgical treatment plan.

The night before your surgery, avoid all food and drink except for water. You will receive anesthesia during the operation, and a full stomach can make you sick.

What does fracture repair surgery involve?

Fracture repair surgery is performed at a hospital and typically takes several hours.

On the day of your procedure, you check into the hospital, change into your surgical garments, and lie down on a table. Your surgeon administers anesthesia that puts you to sleep.

Once you’re comfortable, your surgeon makes a small incision over the fracture site. Then, they carefully insert pins, rods, and plates through the incision and stabilize the fracture.

Once the fracture is set, your surgeon repairs any damaged blood vessels. If necessary, they might also apply a bone graft. A bone graft uses natural bone material to replace the bone tissue you’ve lost.

After making all the necessary repairs, your provider closes the incision. They move you to a recovery suite, and you remain in the hospital for a night or two.

To see if you’re a candidate for fracture repair surgery, make an appointment at Twin Palm Orthopedics by calling the office or requesting one online today.