Procedure

Advanced Trauma & Fracture Surgery

When bones break, precision matters — expert fixation to restore strength, alignment and function.

Reviewed by Dr. Niranjan Ghag ·

Fractures we treat — every bone, every age

Our orthopaedic trauma service covers the full spectrum of fractures across the body:

  • Upper limb: clavicle (collar bone), humerus (upper arm), forearm (radius & ulna), wrist, hand & finger fractures
  • Lower limb: femur (thigh bone), tibia & fibula (leg), ankle (bimalleolar, trimalleolar), foot & toe fractures
  • Pelvis & acetabulum: complex pelvic fractures from high-energy trauma
  • Spine fractures: vertebral compression fractures, burst fractures (see Spine Surgery page)
  • Road accident injuries — single or multiple bones; assessed and managed as a whole
  • Open (compound) fractures — bone piercing skin; emergency surgery within hours
  • Fracture non-union — bones that have failed to heal after prior treatment
  • Mal-union correction — re-aligning a bone that healed in the wrong position

Surgical techniques used

  • Intramedullary nailing — a rod inside the bone canal; used for femur, tibia, humerus fractures
  • Plate and screw fixation — for periarticular fractures, forearm, clavicle, ankle
  • Minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis (MIPO) — smaller incisions, faster healing
  • External fixation — temporary stabilisation in open or contaminated fractures
  • Bone grafting — for non-union and bone loss
  • Locked plating — for osteoporotic and comminuted fractures

Recovery and rehabilitation

Recovery depends on which bone is broken and how it is fixed. Most patients move (though not always weight-bear) within 24–48 hours of surgery. Physiotherapy starts early to prevent stiffness. Upper-limb fractures: desk work typically at 4–6 weeks. Lower-limb: weight-bearing resumes based on X-ray evidence of healing, usually 6–12 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every fracture need surgery?

No. Many fractures heal in a cast or splint. Surgery is recommended when the fracture is displaced, unstable, near a joint, involves the forearm or ankle, or when a cast cannot maintain alignment — the final decision is made after viewing the X-ray.

My femur (thigh bone) was broken in a road accident — what happens?

Femur fractures in adults are almost always fixed surgically with an intramedullary nail — a titanium rod passed down the centre of the bone. Surgery is done within 24–48 hours when the patient is stable. Most patients sit up the next day and begin walking with support within a week.

What is a non-union fracture?

A fracture that has not healed after the expected time (usually 6 months) is called a non-union. Causes include poor blood supply, infection, inadequate fixation or smoking. Treatment involves bone grafting and new fixation — with good outcomes.

Will the implant (plate/nail) need to be removed later?

Modern implants are well tolerated and many patients keep them permanently. Removal is offered if the implant causes discomfort or at patient request, usually 12–18 months after confirmed healing.

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Joshi's Neurotrauma Centre · Z5, Flower Valley Complex, Commercial Complex

Monday – Sunday: Open 24 hours