How is a fracture treated and relieved?

There are several approaches to treating and alleviating a fracture, depending on its severity, type and location. Here are the main methods, based on recent research: 

• Pain management: Pain control is essential when managing fractures. Pain-relieving drugs prescribed by the doctor and acupuncture, in which needles are inserted at the precise points of pain, are therapies used to relieve pain⁽⁷⁾. 
• Immobilisation: The first step is generally to immobilise the fracture. This can be done with a splint (usually worn for three to five weeks), a cast (usually worn for six to eight weeks) or traction. These methods ensure that the fracture heals properly by holding the bone fragments in place during healing. Thuasne offers a wide range of solutions for immobilising the affected limb. 
• Surgery: In the case of a complex fracture, surgery may be necessary to achieve optimal healing. There are several options available to the surgeon: open reduction and internal fixation, which involves putting the bone fragments back into place and fixing them with metal hardware; external fixation, which uses pins or screws inserted into the bone for external stabilisation; intramedullary nailing, which reinforces the bone from the inside with a metal rod; and finally, bone grafting, used to replace the missing bone with natural or synthetic bone tissue. The choice of technique depends on many factors, such as the type of fracture, the patient's age and physical condition. 
• Rehabilitation: After immobilisation or surgery, rehabilitation is often necessary to restore full mobility and strength to the fractured area. This may include specific exercises and physiotherapy sessions.
• Medical follow-up: Regular consultations with an orthopaedic surgeon are essential to monitor the healing of the fracture and adjust treatment if necessary. 

In summary, fracture treatment combines pain relief, immobilisation, rehabilitation and, if necessary, surgery to promote bone healing.