Repair of Fractures

When a bone is broken, the first step in repair is to take an X ray to confirm the diagnosis and to provide a clear picture of the type of fracture and the degree of displacement and misalignment. The first aim in treatment is to see that bone ends that abut each other are in alignment so that, when the fracture heals, the bone will retain its previous shape. Bone ends that have been displaced are maneuvered back into position. The bone may be manipulated through the skin using a local or general anesthetic, or the bone may be repositioned by means of an operation in which the site is opened. Once the fracture has been placed in proper position, the bone is immobilized to allow the broken pieces to reunite firmly. In some cases, the ends of the fractured bone may be fixed through the skin and into the bone and kept in position by attachment to an external frame; once the fracture has healed, the pins and frame are removed. In other cases an operation is done to open up the injury site and fasten together the bone pieces with metal screws, nails, plates, rods, or wires.