A common injury in active patients
Not all fractures require surgery. In many cases, conventional orthopedic treatment (immobilization, splint, cast) allows for natural healing. However, when a bone is displaced, unstable, or affects a joint area, the fracture surgery often becomes necessary to restore alignment, stabilize the bone and allow for optimal recovery.
Dr. Coulin analyzes each situation individually, based on the clinical examination, imaging (x-rays, scanner) and the patient's functional objectives.
What is fracture surgery?
There fracture surgery consists of realigning and stabilizing a broken bone when it cannot heal properly by simple immobilization. The procedure allows the bone fragments to be put back in place, ensuring their strength using implants (screws, plates, nails, pins) and promoting rapid and functional consolidation.
Beyond bone repair, surgery also aims to limit long-term complications: chronic pain, loss of mobility, secondary osteoarthritis. It is an integral part of orthopedic traumatology and concerns both:
- young and athletic patients, who need to regain a high level of function,
- than elderly patients, for whom rapid recovery of autonomy is essential.
When is surgery considered?
The decision to opt for a fracture surgery is based on several specific criteria. It is indicated when the fracture presents:
- A significant displacement bone fragments.
- A joint damage, threatening long-term mobility.
- A failure of conservative treatment (cast or splint).
- A need for rapid recovery of autonomy, especially in active or elderly patients.
Some fractures require surgical treatment more often:
- THE femoral neck, the operation of which helps prevent permanent loss of mobility.
- THE wrist (distal radius), in order to prevent deformities and residual pain.
- There ankle, which must be perfectly stable to avoid secondary osteoarthritis.
- There clavicle, when the movement is too marked.
- There kneecap, if the fracture prevents extension of the knee.
Open, multiple, unstable fractures or fractures associated with nerve or ligament injuries are also frequent indications for fracture surgery.
How does the procedure with Dr. Coulin take place ?
The goal of fracture surgery is to realign the bone fragments, then to stabilize them permanently to allow the bone to heal under good conditions.
The procedure is performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the location and profile of the patient.
Techniques used include:
- The installation of screws, plates, nails or pins to fix the bone.
- There temporary external fixation, in complex or polytrauma cases.
- Of the associated gestures, such as tendon repair or nerve release, if necessary.
Dr. Coulin favors approaches minimally invasive whenever possible, in order to limit surgical trauma, reduce post-operative pain and speed recovery.
What are the post-operative consequences ?
The consequences depend on the location of the fracture and the type of fixation. However, some principles are common:
- Early mobilization as soon as possible, in order to avoid complications related to immobility (muscle loss, stiffness, phlebitis).
- Targeted rehabilitation, essential for restoring mobility, muscle strength and proprioception.
- Regular radiological monitoring, allowing bone consolidation to be controlled.
In some cases, the implants remain in place permanently. In others, they can be removed after consolidation, depending on age, activity level, and any discomfort experienced.
What results can you expect ?
There fracture surgery allows, in the majority of cases, solid consolidation and satisfactory functional recovery. Thanks to modern techniques and personalized care, the results are very encouraging:
- Rapid return to walking or independence.
- Significant pain relief.
- Reduction in the risk of joint damage (stiffness, osteoarthritis).
- Return to sport or professional activity within a suitable timeframe.
The quality of fracture surgery and the outcome depend on the surgical technique, the rigor of the rehabilitation, and the patient's involvement in their follow-up.
You have suffered a fracture or a recent fall?
Dr. Coulin sees patients in Geneva for consultations to establish a precise diagnosis, analyze your imaging studies, and propose the optimal treatment plan. Depending on the situation, he will guide you toward conservative treatment or fracture surgery, always tailored to your needs and goals.
