Bones can break in falls, road accidents or sports injuries. Timely treatment matters for the bone to heal in the right position.
Common symptoms
- Severe pain and swelling
- A limb that looks bent or out of shape
- Being unable to move it or bear weight
When to see a doctor
- Promptly, whenever a fracture is suspected
- Immediately at an emergency department if bone is visible through a wound or there is heavy bleeding
- If pain, swelling or numbness increases after a plaster cast
How it is evaluated
- Physical examination and X-ray
- Options such as plaster, splint or surgery discussed according to the fracture type
- In some cases, surgery guided by a C-arm X-ray machine that fixes the fracture without a large opening
- Regular follow-up
Emergency: after a serious accident, a suspected fracture with deformity, heavy bleeding, numbness or loss of movement, go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.