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Stanford Health Care

Diagnosis

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

Treatment may include:

  • A splint or cast to hold the injured area in place and allow it to heal
  • Medication (to control pain)
  • Traction to stretch muscles and allow fractured bones to heal
  • Surgery to place fractured bones back in their normal position

Clinical Trials

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Open Clinical Trials

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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.

Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but 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.

 

Diagnosis of Fractures

Early detection of fractures is important so you can receive prompt treatment, relieve your symptoms, and prevent your condition from getting worse.

Your doctor will talk with you about how the fracture happened and also about your medical history. The doctor may ask if you have had fractures or other back, neck, or spine problems in the past. Questions also may address if you have a family history of these types of problems.

The doctor will perform a physical examination and test sensitivity along your spine. The doctor also may ask you to bend, reach, or walk to see if fractures has affected your movement.

To help confirm a diagnosis of a fracture or understand in more detail how serious it is, your doctor also may order imaging tests, such as: 

Our Clinics

Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Redwood City
The Orthopaedic Clinic in Redwood City provides excellent orthopaedic care and treatment in the fields of orthopaedic surgery and musculoskeletal medicine.
Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Redwood City
450 Broadway Street
 Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: 650-723-5643 Getting Here
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To schedule an appointment, please call 650-725-1125.