Post-Fracture Management and Recovery
What are Post-Fracture Management and Recovery
Following a fracture, the healing process involves several stages that ultimately lead to bone union. However, even after the fracture has healed, it is common and normal to experience stiffness and pain in the affected limb and surrounding joints. This stiffness occurs due to a combination of factors including immobilisation during the healing period, soft tissue injury and healing, deep tissue scarring (part of healing) and altered movement patterns.
With non-surgical treatment of fractures many injuries are treated in splints, plasters or braces which overtime can rub on or damage skin. Regularly checking the skin and any pressure points from plasters as well as the use of removable braces for the appropriate types of injuries can help minimise these complications.
Some severe fractures can’t be treated in removable braces but if a removable brace is possible then the benefits include:
– early range of motion preventing stiffness
– easier hygiene and showering
– convenience when removable for light tasks (such as typing)
– the ability to better monitor skin for irritation and damage
– lighter weight
Understanding Post-Fracture Stiffness:
The period of immobilisation necessary for fracture healing, as well as the deep tissue scarring required for healing can lead to:
– Joint capsule tightness
– Muscle weakness and shortening
– Reduced tendon flexibility
– Altered proprioception (noticed as incoordination)
– Decreased range of motion (what doctor’s call stiffness)
– Formation of adhesions and scarring in surrounding tissues
Natural Recovery Process:
Limb stiffness typically improves gradually over several months following fracture healing. The recovery timeline varies depending on:
– Fracture location and severity
– Duration of immobilisation
– Patient age and general health
– Presence of associated injuries
– Rehabilitation program
Management Strategies:
1. Early Intervention:
– Commence appropriate exercises as soon as clinically safe
– Focus on maintaining mobility in unaffected joints
– Gentle active movements within pain limits
– Progressive loading as healing permits
2. Physiotherapy and hand therapy:
– Structured exercise programs
– Manual therapy techniques
– Joint mobilisation
– Soft tissue massage
– Proprioceptive training
– Functional rehabilitation
– Gait re-education where necessary
– Children tend to do well in most cases and often don’t require physiotherapy
3. Hand Therapy (for hand and upper limb fractures):
– Specific exercises for fine motor control
– Grip strength training
– Dexterity exercises
– Scar management if relevant
– Oedema management
– Splinting to decrease stiffness if required
– Children tend to do well in most cases and often don’t require hand therapy
4. Self-Management Strategies:
– Regular gentle movement within prescribed limits
– Heat therapy before exercise
– Cold therapy for pain management
– Elevation for swelling control
– Regular stretching programs
– Activities of daily living modification
Expected Outcomes:
With appropriate rehabilitation, patients can expect:
– Gradual improvement in range of motion
– Increased strength and endurance
– Enhanced functional capacity
– Return to normal activities
– Improved confidence in limb use
– many injuries (especially in adults) rehabilitate to the point where some permanent stiffness or mild discomfort can be expected permanently
Important Considerations:
– Recovery timeframes vary significantly between individuals and children tend to recover much faster
– Patience and consistency with rehabilitation is essential
– Some residual stiffness may persist but typically does not impact function in most non operative cases
– Regular review of progress helps maintain motivation
– Modification of rehabilitation program as progress occurs
When to Seek Further Assessment:
– Persistent severe pain not improving
– Significant swelling
– Marked limitation of movement
– Signs of complex regional pain syndrome (often noted as nerve symptoms)
– Lack of progress over time despite compliance with therapy
The key to successful post-fracture rehabilitation is understanding that stiffness is a normal part of the recovery process and can be effectively managed through appropriate therapeutic intervention and consistent engagement with prescribed exercises and activities.
How can I book an appointment at the Fracture Clinic?
You can call their phone number or make an appointment online via their website. The clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Does the Fracture Clinic accept insurance?
The goal of the Medicare-funded Fracture Clinic is to offer patients high-quality care at comparatively cheap out-of-pocket expenses. It’s best to get in touch with the clinic directly if you have particular insurance questions.
