Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Fracture Care

A broken bone can happen in an instant. Whether it occurs during a fall, a car accident, or a sports injury, understanding how it’s treated can make a big difference in recovery. At Advanced Orthopaedic Associates, P.A. in Wichita, KS, our fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic specialists provide comprehensive fracture care for patients of all ages. Whether your injury needs surgery or can heal without it, our goal is always to help you regain strength, stability, and confidence as safely and efficiently as possible.

Non-Surgical Fracture Care

Non-surgical fracture care is often the first approach for many types of breaks. For example, if the bone remains properly aligned or your doctor can realign the bone without surgery.

The non-surgical fracture care process begins with an evaluation and imaging, typically using X-rays or CT scans, to determine the severity of the fracture. For minor or stable fractures, treatment may involve:

• Casting or splinting: Keeps the bone immobilized while it heals naturally.
• Bracing: Offers support while allowing limited motion for nearby joints.

In many cases, the bone begins knitting together within a few weeks, though full healing can take several months.

When Is Surgery Needed For a Fracture?

Sometimes, surgery offers the best path to recovery, especially when a fracture is displaced, unstable, or involves multiple bone fragments. In some cases, minimally invasive fracture repair using tiny incisions and specialized surgical instruments may be possible. 

In other cases, surgical fracture care may involve open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), a procedure in which your orthopaedic surgeon repositions the bone and secures it using plates, screws, rods, or pins. This helps the bone heal in proper alignment and prevents long-term complications like joint stiffness or uneven limb length.

For more severe trauma or complex injuries, external fixation may be used temporarily, with metal frames or pins outside the body stabilizing the bone while it heals internally. Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons at Advanced Orthopaedic Associates are highly skilled in all types of advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive approaches that reduce tissue damage and speed recovery.

Healing and Rehabilitation

Whether your fracture requires surgery or not, the recovery process is guided by careful follow-up care and rehabilitation. Patients work closely with their physician to monitor bone healing through imaging and to gradually reintroduce movement, weight-bearing, and strengthening exercises.

Our team also uses regenerative options, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, when appropriate, to enhance healing and tissue repair.

Fracture Care in Wichita, KS

If you’ve suffered a fracture or suspect a broken bone, early evaluation is essential to ensure the best outcome. We offer immediate care for your convenience at Advanced Orthopaedic Associates, P.A. Schedule an appointment by calling 316-631-1600 today.