Causes
How We Can Help You for Fractures
The doctors in the Stanford Medicine Spine Center have the experience needed to precisely diagnose and effectively treat a fracture, the condition a bone has partially or completely broken.
We help relieve the symptoms of fractures, which may include pain and swelling in the injured area, visible deformity in the area, difficulty moving the injured area normally, and warmth, bruising, or redness in the area.
These symptoms can resemble other medical conditions. So, our doctors focus on making an accurate diagnosis then delivering the least invasive treatment possible. Treatment options may include a splint or cast to reduce motion in the injured area and allow it to heal. Another option is traction, where medical equipment stretches parts of the body to allow injured bones to heal.
Your doctor also may recommend medication to relieve pain. In more severe cases, we also perform all types of surgery, from the common to the most complex procedures, to place bones back in their proper position.
In addition, Stanford Medicine Spine Center patients with fractures may have opportunities to participate in research studies of new treatment approaches not yet available anywhere else.
What We Offer You For Fractures
- Center of Excellence for advanced care of all bone and spine-related conditions.
- Nationally recognized expertise in treating all types of fractures, no matter how complex.
- Precise diagnosis options including the latest imaging technology.
- Active research program to develop new diagnostic and treatment advances.
- Comprehensive support services including care coordination from diagnosis to treatment to follow-up.
- Team-based treatment planning that brings together orthopaedic surgeons, neurologists and neurosurgeons, pain management specialists, rheumatologists, physiatrists, and others to tailor care to your needs.
- Advanced treatment options emphasizing noninvasive approaches whenever possible, including exercises and physical therapy, plus medication therapy and, when needed, surgery.
Treatment for Fractures
Your doctor will recommend the best treatment for your specific condition. The recommendation is based on:
- Your age, overall health, and medical history
- The extent of the fracture
- Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the fracture
- Your opinion or preference
The goal is to restore normal use of the fractured area, if possible.
Treatment is designed to:
- Control pain
- Promote healing
- Prevent complications
- Restore normal use of the fractured area
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest clinical trials.
Open trials refer to studies that are currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but similar studies may open in the future.
What is a Fracture?
A fracture means a bone has partially or completely broken.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain in the injured area
- Swelling in the injured area
- Visible deformity in the area
- Difficulty moving the injured area normally
- Warmth, bruising, or redness in the area
A fracture may heal naturally with time. Or, it may require treatment ranging from splints and casts to surgery.