Fracture Repair
Fracture repair is the treatment of a broken bone to restore its correct alignment and stability so it can heal and the limb can work normally again. Many fractures are treated without surgery using a cast or brace, while displaced, unstable or complex breaks are fixed surgically with plates, screws, rods or pins — followed by rehabilitation to rebuild strength and movement.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
When a bone breaks, the priorities are to confirm the pattern of the fracture with X-rays or CT, to restore the bone to its correct position (reduction), and to hold it there while it heals. Many fractures are stable and heal well with non-surgical treatment — a cast, splint or brace — and careful monitoring. Others need surgery to realign and stabilize the bone.
Surgical fixation (internal fixation) uses metal plates, screws, rods or pins to hold the bone firmly in place, allowing earlier movement and reducing the risk of healing in a poor position. The method is chosen to suit the bone, the fracture pattern and the patient. Open fractures, joint-involving fractures and certain displaced breaks particularly often require surgery, sometimes urgently.
Orthopedic surgeons work with physiotherapists, since rehabilitation is essential to regain strength, movement and function after the bone has healed. International patients receive a coordinator, a clear plan and a transparent cost estimate, and where a fracture is being managed over time, imaging and reports can be reviewed to plan continued care.
Who is a candidate?
- People with a displaced, unstable or angulated fracture that needs realignment and fixation
- Patients with fractures involving a joint surface, which often need precise surgical repair
- Those with an open fracture, where the bone has broken the skin, needing urgent care
- People whose fracture has failed to heal correctly or has healed in a poor position
- Patients with simple, stable fractures suitable for non-surgical treatment and monitoring
What happens
- 1
Diagnosis
X-rays, and CT where needed, confirm the fracture pattern and whether the bone is displaced, helping decide between non-surgical and surgical treatment.
- 2
Choosing treatment
Stable fractures are often treated with a cast or brace, while displaced, unstable or joint-involving fractures are planned for surgical fixation. The approach is matched to the bone and to you.
- 3
Reduction and fixation
The bone is realigned (reduced) and, if surgery is needed, held with plates, screws, rods or pins. For some fractures this is done through smaller incisions.
- 4
Immobilization and early recovery
The limb is protected as it heals, sometimes in a cast or brace, and you are guided on weight-bearing and movement appropriate to the fracture.
- 5
Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy restores strength, movement and function as the bone heals. International patients receive a home exercise plan and a follow-up schedule to track healing.
Benefits
- Restores the bone's correct alignment so it heals and the limb works normally
- Surgical fixation can allow earlier movement and reduce the risk of poor healing
- Many fractures are treated effectively without surgery, using a cast or brace
- A clear rehabilitation plan rebuilds strength, movement and function
- Treatment matched to the specific bone, fracture pattern and patient
Risks & considerations
- Infection, bleeding and reaction to anesthesia where surgery is needed
- Delayed healing or, occasionally, healing in a poor position (malunion)
- Stiffness or reduced movement, which rehabilitation works to prevent
- A blood clot in the leg, particularly after lower-limb fractures
- Hardware-related discomfort, sometimes requiring later removal of plates or screws
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Spine Center & Orthopedics.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Fracture Repair — frequently asked questions
No. Many stable fractures heal well with a cast or brace and monitoring. Surgery is usually needed for displaced, unstable, open or joint-involving fractures, where realignment and fixation give the best result.
Internal fixation with plates, screws, rods or pins holds a broken bone firmly in its correct position while it heals, which can allow earlier movement and reduce the risk of healing in a poor position. The method is chosen to suit your fracture.
Bone healing commonly takes around six to twelve weeks, though this varies with the bone, the fracture and the person, and regaining full strength and function takes longer with rehabilitation. Your team gives you a personalized timeline.
Yes. Send your X-rays or CT and reports and our specialists advise on the best treatment and what it would involve, before you commit to travel.
Stays range from day-case to a few nights depending on the fracture and any surgery, plus follow-up and the start of rehabilitation — your coordinator confirms the plan. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case rather than a fixed online price.
Related treatments
Considering fracture repair?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.