Fractures and trauma
We see fractures and dislocations through the hospital’s emergency department. The aim of treatment is for the bone to heal in the correct alignment and for the joint to move again as soon as possible.
Common conditions
Treatment in a cast or splint
Stable fractures with little displacement are treated in a cast or splint, and healing is followed with X-rays at intervals.
Detailed article: Broken bone healing time: when does the cast come off, what eases the itch?
Surgical fixation
Displaced or unstable fractures, and those that disrupt a joint surface, are fixed with plates, screws or an intramedullary nail.
Detailed article: Plates and screws after a fracture: do they have to be removed?
Open fractures
Fractures that communicate with an open wound; because of the risk of infection they need emergency surgery.
Multiple injuries
After road traffic accidents and falls from a height, several fractures are treated in order of priority together with other specialties.
Non-union and malunion
When a fracture fails to heal in the expected time or heals in poor alignment, the cause is investigated; where needed the fixation is revised and bone graft is used.
Stress fracture
A stress fracture (also called a fatigue fracture) is a small crack in a bone caused not by a single blow but by repeated loading; it mostly appears in the bones of the leg and foot when activity has been increased over a short time.
Detailed article: Stress fracture: what are the symptoms and how does it heal?
Osteoporosis (bone thinning)
Osteoporosis (bone thinning) is a condition that weakens bones and makes them fragile, and it often gives no symptoms until a bone breaks; it most often leads to fractures of the wrist, hip and spine.
Detailed article: Osteoporosis (bone thinning): how is it detected and how are fractures prevented?
Muscle strains and tears
A muscle tear happens when a muscle is stretched beyond its limit and its fibres tear; a partial tear, in which some of the fibres are torn, is what people usually mean by a pulled muscle or a torn muscle fibre.
Detailed article: Muscle strains and tears: how to recognise one and how long it takes to heal
When to be seen without waiting
- Deformity, a wound with visible bone, or bleeding
- Numbness, coldness or discolouration of the injured arm or leg
- Increasing pain inside a cast, with swollen or numb fingers or toes
In these situations do not wait for an appointment; go to the nearest emergency department.
Our doctors
Our team of three orthopaedic surgeons works in close collaboration at every stage, from assessment and diagnosis to surgical and non-surgical treatment. Drawing on our shared knowledge and experience, we aim to find the most suitable treatment for each patient and to achieve the greatest benefit.
Patient guide
Other areas
This page is general information; diagnosis and treatment are decided at examination. Last updated: .