Not every fracture needs surgery — but every fracture needs the right assessment. We use conservative treatment whenever it is safe and appropriate, while recognising the situations where timely intervention is essential.
The important question is not simply "is the bone broken?" — it is "what type of fracture is it, and what treatment will help it heal in the best possible position?" Treatment depends on the fracture's location, whether it is displaced or stable, whether the joint surface is involved, the number of fragments, soft-tissue condition, bone quality, and your activity needs.
Many fractures heal successfully without surgery when the bone fragments are acceptably aligned and stable — a splint, cast, brace or sling, protection, pain management, regular follow-up and physiotherapy. Conservative care is not "doing nothing" — it is an active treatment plan with protection, monitoring, rehabilitation and timely reassessment.
"The purpose of fracture surgery is not simply to fix the X-ray — it is to restore alignment and function."
Fractures that cannot be safely maintained in a good position with a cast or brace.
An irregular joint surface can lead to stiffness, instability or early arthritis if not restored accurately.
Open fractures, or those with nerve or blood-vessel involvement, require emergency assessment.
Minimally invasive plating, intramedullary nailing and locking plates protect soft tissue while restoring alignment.
A suspected fracture should always be properly assessed with clinical examination and imaging. Unqualified manipulation by an untrained bone setter may worsen displacement, damage nerves or blood vessels, or delay appropriate treatment — a fracture should never be forcefully manipulated without proper medical assessment.
No. Many stable, well-aligned fractures heal with splints, casts, braces or slings, activity modification, protection and regular follow-up. The decision depends on the fracture pattern and the likelihood of healing in an acceptable position.
No. A suspected fracture should always be properly assessed with clinical examination and appropriate imaging. Unqualified manipulation can worsen displacement, damage nerves or blood vessels, compromise the skin, or delay appropriate treatment.
Yes, in selected fractures — intramedullary nailing, minimally invasive plate fixation, locking plates, arthroscopy-assisted techniques and external fixation. The appropriate technique depends on the fracture, not simply the availability of technology.
Increasing pain, severe swelling or tightness inside a cast, numbness or tingling, blue/pale/cold fingers or toes, inability to move the fingers or toes, fever or foul-smelling discharge, and new skin wounds around the cast all need urgent medical assessment.
Not every fracture needs surgery. But every fracture deserves proper assessment.