Common problems and symptoms
- Pain, swelling or deformity after a fall or impact
- Inability to bear weight or use the limb
- Visible shortening or angulation of a limb
- Open wound with exposed bone
- Numbness or loss of pulse distal to the injury
When to see an orthopaedic specialist
Any suspected fracture needs prompt evaluation. Immediate assessment is essential after trauma causing deformity, inability to bear weight, severe tenderness, rapid swelling, an open wound, or numbness and discolouration beyond the injury.
Diagnosis and evaluation
Fractures are diagnosed with X-rays, often supplemented by CT for complex or periarticular injuries. Assessment also checks the surrounding soft tissues, nerves and blood supply to plan safe fixation.
Treatment options
Non-surgical care
- Splinting, casting or bracing for stable fractures
- Protected weight-bearing and monitored healing
- Physiotherapy once healing allows
Surgical treatment
- Internal fixation with plates and screws
- Intramedullary nailing for long-bone fractures
- External fixation for severe or open injuries
- Periarticular reconstruction
Recovery and rehabilitation
Fractures typically need 6–12 weeks for solid union, with rehabilitation continuing afterwards to restore movement and strength. Complex injuries follow an individualised timeline based on the fracture pattern and healing response.
Orthopaedic care in Dibrugarh, Assam
Emergency and elective fracture care is available in Dibrugarh, so patients across Assam can receive prompt stabilisation and follow-up reconstruction without unnecessary travel.