In simple terms any break in the continuity of a bone is a fracture. A dislocation is any displacement of a bone out of its normal position in a joint. Treatment of fractures and dislocations can range from putting an arm sling to doing complex surgeries.

Conservative Treatment

Fractures and dislocations may be treated in a non-operative manner by applying traction, repositioning the displaced bone fragments and putting a plaster cast. Even though this may sound simple, the details of such treatment can be quite intricate and require careful and skillful execution. Identifying which injuries can be treated successfully without surgery is as important a skill as knowing how to do a surgery.

The technique of conservatively treating a fracture and application of well-moulded plaster cast in a painless manner is an art. After-care of the patient till the bone heals is also an important part of treatment and is vital for preventing complications. The use of modern, light-weight, water-resistant cast materials has made the time spent in plaster comfortable for the patient.

Minor Operative Treatment

Some injuries may need active intervention for treatment. In addition to the plaster techniques there may be a need for temporary wires (K-wires) to hold the fractured fragments in the correct place till the fracture heals. These K-wires are inserted either under local anaesthesia or a short general anaesthesia. They are removed under local anaesthesia once the bone is healed. This is a common mode of treatment for fractures around the wrist, hand and foot.

Surgical interventions are required in fractures of long bones, critical areas of bone, fractures involving joint surfaces and fractures associated with wounds. Recurrent dislocations and irreducible dislocations also need surgical treatment. Implants in the form of metallic plates, screws, nails/hollow rods, wires, external fixator, anchors, etc. are used to hold the fractured fragments in place.

Most surgical procedures are now done by closed methods or minimally invasive methods. These involve minimal disturbance of the fracture site, minimal skin cuts and muscle preserving techniques. This reduces post-operative pain and also shortens recovery time. ​ Most implants remain embedded in the bone without any trouble and patients can carry on with their normal life unhindered once the bone has healed. Only in rare cases the implant may need to be removed to allow better range of movement or to suit the patients professional needs. Only implants of the highest quality and internationally renowned companies are used.