Although any bone in the body can break, the collarbone, wrist, ankle, spinal vertebrae and hip are most prone to a fracture, says Nicholas Sama, MD, director of Orthopedic Trauma at HSS Florida in West Palm Beach. As an orthopedic trauma specialist, he has high-level training and expertise in treating fractures. 

Breaking a bone can be a difficult and sometimes frightening experience. But with the right treatment, bones have a natural ability to heal, Dr. Sama says. What should you do if you sustain an injury and think you may have a fracture? Dr. Sama’s advice aims to give patients the best chance for proper treatment, healthy healing and a good medical outcome. 

Know the signs and act quickly.

After an injury, signs of a broken bone may include:

• severe pain
• swelling
• a deformity in the affected body part
• the inability to bear weight

Sometimes, it is obvious that emergency medical care is needed. A bone may look out of place or poke through the skin, or you may experience extreme pain. However, if that’s not the case and the injury is less severe, Dr. Sama says people can try basic first aid: resting the injured body part, applying ice on and off and elevating it above the level of the heart. 

If symptoms don’t improve within a few days, a visit to an orthopedic surgeon is in order. If in doubt, it is essential to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment sooner rather than later, Dr. Sama says. By identifying an injury in its earlier stages, it is much easier to treat and yields better results.

See a fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma specialist. 

Orthopedic trauma refers to a sudden significant injury to the bones, muscles, tendons or another part of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons with special training in trauma have the expertise, diagnostic tools and skill to evaluate injuries and develop the most appropriate treatment plan. 

Dr. Sama explains that seeing an orthopedic trauma specialist for a fracture is no different from consulting a joint replacement specialist when considering hip or knee replacement surgery. A trauma specialist is trained to determine the best operative or nonoperative treatment options. A patient will need surgery if a bone is broken in such a way that it is poorly aligned, unstable, penetrating through the skin or pushing on vital structures. 

Be an educated patient and play an active role in your recovery. 

In Dr. Sama’s view, patient education is essential, and people who actively participate in their care have better outcomes. “I feel that educating patients is more important in the specialty of orthopedic surgery than in any other subspecialty,” he explains. “This is because while the outcome is dependent upon the surgeon and the surgical procedure that he or she does, it is also largely dependent upon patients knowing what to do and what not to do, participating in physical therapy and understanding what to expect.” 

Dr. Sama adds that a good doctor will get to know a patient and their lifestyle to determine the best care plan, answering all their questions for shared decision-making. After treatment, if patients have doubts about their healing or recovery, he advises them to go back to their doctor to express their concerns. If not satisfied, it is reasonable to seek a second opinion. 

After a fracture, follow-up may be needed to assess your overall bone health. 

When a fracture occurs from less trauma than normally required to break a healthy bone, it is essential to determine the cause. This is especially important for older adults who may have sustained a “fragility” fracture—one that occurs in a bone weakened due to osteoporosis. Patients should be referred for follow-up with their primary care doctor, an endocrinologist or a rheumatologist. It usually entails a bone density scan and appropriate treatment to help prevent a future fracture. 

Take safety measures to avoid injury.

Dr. Sama stresses the importance of taking preventive measures to help avoid a fracture in the first place. “That means doing everything you can to be as safe as you can,” he says. “It means trying to maintain a level of physical fitness to optimize balance, strength and flexibility; using appropriate protective gear when participating in sports and athletic activities; and seeing an orthopedic specialist for evaluation if experiencing ongoing pain or a minor injury that isn’t improving.” 

Fall prevention is critical, especially for older adults who may have weakened bones, Dr. Sama notes. “Some people may have medical conditions that predispose them to falling, such as problems with blood pressure, problems with vision or vertigo. They should be mindful of medications that can make them dizzy or unsteady on their feet and take precautions to avoid falling in the home or outdoors.”

Dr. Sama advises people to evaluate their surroundings, ensuring that the floor is free of clutter and other tripping hazards, such as rugs that are not securely fastened. Homes and outdoor areas should have good lighting. Steps should always have handrails, and grab bars should be installed in the bathroom as needed for support. 

Adults who are unsteady on their feet may want to use a cane or walker and consider seeing a physical therapist for exercises to improve their balance and build up their strength. Dr. Sama encourages family and friends to check the homes of loved ones to ensure they are in a safe environment.

Published 10/10/2024

About the Expert

John S. Blanco, MD