Fracture Care
Rapid, expert management of broken bones by Dr. Vinod Nair. From immediate casting and splinting to complex surgical fixation (ORIF), we ensure your bones heal in perfect alignment.
health_metrics Complete Care Cycle
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Rapid Diagnosis
Same-day clinical assessment to determine the exact type and severity of the break.
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Non-Surgical Casting
Fiberglass and plaster casts for stable, undisplaced fractures.
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Surgical Fixation (ORIF)
Plates, screws, and rods for complex or unstable breaks requiring precise alignment.
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Post-Fracture Rehab
Integrated physiotherapy with Dr. Divyani Gawande to restore joint mobility after casting.
Understanding Fractures
A fracture is any break in the continuity of a bone. Whether it is a hairline crack from repetitive stress or a complete shatter from high-impact trauma, the biological healing process is the same: the body must form a "callus" (new bone tissue) to bridge the gap.
The critical role of Dr. Vinod Nair is to ensure that while the bone heals, it heals in the correct anatomical position. If a broken bone is allowed to heal out of alignment (malunion), it can lead to permanent limb shortening, joint arthritis, and chronic pain.
Depending on the type of fracture, we utilize strict immobilization (casting/splinting) to hold the bone still. For severe breaks where the bone pieces are displaced or unstable, surgical intervention (using plates or screws) is required to forcefully hold the anatomy together while biology does the healing.
Types of Fractures We Treat
Simple (Closed) Fractures
The bone is broken, but the skin remains intact. Often treated with a closed reduction (manipulating the bone back into place) and a cast.
Compound (Open) Fractures
The broken bone pierces through the skin. This is a surgical emergency requiring immediate washout and fixation to prevent severe bone infection.
Comminuted Fractures
High-energy impacts where the bone shatters into three or more pieces. Typically requires surgical plates and screws to reconstruct the anatomy.
Stress Fractures
Tiny hairline cracks caused by repetitive overuse (common in runners). Treated with rest, offloading boots, and activity modification.
Treatment & Healing Timelines
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Casting vs. Surgery
If a bone is stable and aligned, a cast is sufficient. If the fracture is unstable, involves a joint surface, or cannot be held in place with a cast, surgical Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) is required.
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The 6-12 Week Rule
Bones generally take 6 to 12 weeks to form a solid clinical callus. During this time, strict adherence to weight-bearing restrictions (e.g., using crutches) is mandatory to prevent the bone from collapsing.
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Post-Fracture Rehabilitation
Once the cast comes off, the surrounding joints will be extremely stiff and the muscles severely atrophied. Immediate physiotherapy with Dr. Divyani Gawande is crucial to restore full mobility and strength.
The Danger of Delayed Care
Never ignore severe pain following an injury, assuming it is "just a sprain." A fracture left untreated for even a few days can begin to heal in a crooked position. Once the body starts cementing a malaligned bone, correcting it becomes a highly complex surgery requiring the bone to be re-broken.
emergency Seek Immediate Care If:
You experience severe deformity, the bone pierces the skin, you cannot bear weight, or there is rapid, extreme swelling and bruising.
Frequently Asked Questions
Expert answers on broken bones and recovery
How can I tell if a bone is broken or just bruised?
It is often impossible to tell without an X-ray, as severe sprains can cause identical swelling and pain. However, key signs of a fracture include visible deformity (the limb looks crooked), an audible "snap" during the injury, and complete inability to bear weight or move the limb.
What types of fractures do you treat?
Dr. Vinod Nair treats virtually all orthopedic fractures, including collarbone (clavicle), shoulder, arm (humerus, radius, ulna), wrist, hip, femur, knee, tibia, ankle, and foot fractures. We manage both simple breaks requiring casts and complex breaks requiring surgery.
Will I definitely need surgery for a broken bone?
No. The majority of fractures can be treated conservatively with a cast or splint. Surgery is only recommended when the bone pieces are too far apart to heal, if the fracture extends into a joint, or if the bone is unstable and will shift inside a cast.
How long does a broken bone take to heal?
Most fractures take between 6 to 12 weeks to heal sufficiently to remove the cast or clear you for weight-bearing. However, it can take up to a full year for the bone to remodel completely and regain 100% of its original strength. Factors like smoking or diabetes can significantly delay healing.
Can I walk on a fractured ankle or foot?
You must explicitly follow Dr. Nair's weight-bearing instructions. Some minor foot fractures allow for "weight-bearing as tolerated" in a stiff medical boot. However, for most leg and ankle fractures, you will be "non-weight-bearing" for 6-8 weeks and must use crutches or a walker. Walking too soon will cause the fracture to collapse.
What happens if my fracture doesn't heal (Non-union)?
A "non-union" occurs when the body fails to bridge the bone gap after several months. This is usually caused by inadequate immobilization, poor blood supply, or infection. Treatment for a non-union typically requires surgery to insert bone grafts (to stimulate biology) and new metal hardware (to ensure stability).
Expert Care for Broken Bones
Timely intervention is critical for proper bone healing. Do not wait. Book your consultation with Dr. Vinod Nair today.