How is a broken bone treated?
Treatment depends on which bone is broken, the type of break and how well the bone ends line up. Many fractures heal in a cast or brace. Some need surgery with pins, plates, screws or a rod.
Signs of a fracture
- Pain, swelling, tenderness or bruising
- Difficulty moving the area
- A limb that looks bent or out of place
A fracture can be hard to tell from a sprain or a dislocation, so an X-ray is usually needed.
What to do first
- Keep the injured part still and supported
- Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes, every 2 to 3 hours
- Remove rings or bracelets before swelling starts
- Press a clean pad on any bleeding
- Do not eat or drink until you are seen, in case surgery is needed
Go to Accident and Emergency at once if the pain is severe, you cannot put weight on the leg, the limb is numb or tingling, looks out of shape or changes colour, bone shows through the skin, or there is heavy bleeding. Do the same for a suspected neck or back injury, and do not move the person. Ask someone to take you, or call 999. Do not drive yourself.
Treatment options
| Treatment | What it does |
|---|---|
| Cast | Holds the bone in place while it heals. This is the most common treatment. |
| Functional cast or brace | Allows controlled movement of nearby joints. It suits some fractures. |
| Traction | Gently pulls the bone into line, usually for a short time before surgery. |
| External fixation | Pins or screws connect to a bar outside the skin. It is used for some severe injuries, sometimes before further surgery. |
| Internal fixation | The surgeon lines up the bone and holds it with screws, plates or a rod. |
Healing time
A finger may take 3 to 4 weeks. An arm or wrist usually takes 6 to 12 weeks. Other fractures can take several months. Time depends on the injury, your age and your health. Pain often settles before the bone is strong enough for normal activity, so follow the advice on when to use it.
Possible problems
These include slow healing, stiffness and weakness after a cast, and infection when a wound reaches the bone. Exercises help restore movement and strength. Surgery has its own risks, which your surgeon can explain.
While in a cast
Seek urgent review for worsening pain, a cast that feels tight, numb, swollen, blue or white fingers or toes, fever, or a smell or fluid from the cast.
A break after a minor fall
Osteoporosis weakens bone, and a minor fall can then cause a fracture. Ask your doctor whether your bone health needs checking.
This page gives general information. It cannot diagnose your condition or tell you which treatment suits you. See a registered doctor for advice about your own symptoms.