A fall, road accident or sports injury can break a bone. Prompt treatment gives the best recovery. Dr. Y. Srinivas Rao treats fractures and injuries and explains every step from first aid to rehabilitation.
What is a fracture?
A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. It may be a simple crack, or the bone may be displaced or broken into pieces. X-rays show the type and decide whether a cast or surgery is needed.
Signs of a fracture
- Severe pain and swelling after an injury
- Deformity or an unnatural bend
- Inability to move or bear weight on the limb
- Numbness or tingling below the injury
- Bone visible through the skin (go to emergency care immediately)
First aid and treatment
Do not move the injured limb, support it as it is, control bleeding with clean cloth pressure and seek help quickly. We examine, take X-rays, relieve pain and treat with casts or splints, or surgery with plates, rods or screws when the bone needs to be fixed.
- Examination and X-ray
- Casts and splints
- Surgical fixation when required
- Physiotherapy after healing
Recovery and aftercare
Bones usually need several weeks to heal, depending on the bone and age. Follow the advice on weight bearing and exercises to regain strength.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it is a sprain or a fracture?
Only an X-ray can tell reliably. If you cannot bear weight or the area is deformed, get it checked.
Will I need surgery?
Many fractures heal in a cast, but displaced or unstable ones may need surgery.
Should I massage an injured limb?
No. Do not massage or try to straighten a broken bone.
Book a consultation at Swastha Multispeciality Clinic
Consult Dr. Y. Srinivas Rao, orthopaedic surgeon in Vanasthalipuram, at Vaidehi Nagar, Vanasthalipuram, Hyderabad 500070. Open Monday to Saturday 9 AM to 9 PM and Sunday 9 AM to 1 PM. Call or WhatsApp 83417 94993. Walk-ins are welcome. This page is general information and not a substitute for medical advice.
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