Diagnosis

Fractures and post-traumatic orthopaedic conditions are typically diagnosed with a combination of a physical examination and imaging.

Fractures are usually diagnosed using X-rays. Depending on the severity and location of the break or post-traumatic injury – and the extent of damage to surrounding tissue – other types of imaging might also be used to make a diagnosis. These include:

• Arthrograms (X-rays of the joints)
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Other diagnostic testing might be used instead of or in addition to those tests. Identifying a bone infection, for instance, calls for blood work, while diagnosing a compressed nerve might require a nerve-blocking injection.

Treatment

Fractures of the pelvis, upper and lower extremities, and post-traumatic orthopaedic conditions can be treated with surgical and nonsurgical procedures, depending on the condition.

Common nonsurgical treatments include:

• Immobilizing devices such as casts, splints, braces, and traction
• Medications, such as antibiotics to resolve infections and nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs to treat arthritis
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation

Surgery is sometimes necessary to properly treat breaks or trauma injuries that are complicated, severe, or resistant to healing. Surgical treatments include fixating (keeping together) the broken parts of the bone using metal pins, screws, or plates.