Fracture Care in Colorado Springs, CO
A bone fracture can happen after a fall, sports injury, motor vehicle accident, or other trauma. Fractures can also occur when bones have been weakened by conditions such as osteoporosis or repetitive stress. Prompt evaluation is important to determine the type, location, alignment, and severity of the fracture and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Tyler Bron, M.D.
Board-certified Orthopaedic SurgeonDr. Bron completed his fellowship in Adult Reconstruction, specializing in the treatment of arthritic hip & knee conditions at the University of Colorado in Aurora. He received specialized training in dealing with complex injuries of the hip and knee & has a particular interest in the treatment of hip arthritis through a muscle-sparing Anterior Approach. Dr. Bron works diligently with each & every patient to customize treatment plans & optimize outcomes to meet the patient’s individual goals.
At Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group, Dr. Tyler Bron provides individualized orthopaedic evaluation and treatment planning for conditions affecting the hip, knee, and lower extremities. Depending on the fracture and the patient's circumstances, treatment may include immobilization with a splint or cast, activity modification, rehabilitation, or surgical stabilization using techniques such as plates, screws, or nails.
If you have suffered an injury and suspect a broken bone, timely medical evaluation can help identify the appropriate course of care. Patients seeking fracture care in Colorado Springs, Colorado can receive an individualized assessment and treatment plan based on their injury and recovery goals.
Bone Fracture
A bone fracture is a medical condition in which a bone is cracked or broken. It is a break in the continuity of the bone. While many fractures are the result of high-force impact or stress, bone fractures can also occur because of certain medical conditions that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis.
A fracture may be complete or partial and is commonly caused by trauma due to a fall, motor vehicle accident or sports injury. Thinning of the bone due to osteoporosis in the elderly can also cause bones to break easily. Overuse injuries are a common cause of stress fractures in athletes.
Types of fractures
- Simple fracture: The fractured pieces of bone are well aligned and stable Unstable fracture- the fragments of the broken bone are misaligned and displaced
- Open (compound) fracture: A severe fracture in which the broken bones protrude through the skin. This type of fracture is more prone to infection and requires immediate medical attention.
- Greenstick fracture: A fracture unique to children, where one side of the bone is broken while the other is bent
Fracture Healing
Our body reacts to a fracture by protecting the injured area with a blood clot and callus or fibrous tissue. Bone cells begin forming on either side of the fracture line. These cells grow towards each other and eventually close the fracture.
Medical Therapy
The objective of early fracture management is to control bleeding, prevent ischemic injury (bone death) and to remove sources of infection such as foreign bodies and dead tissues. The next step is the reduction of the fracture and its maintenance. It is important to ensure that the involved part of the body returns to its function after the fracture heals. To achieve this, fracture reduction and immobilization are achieved by either a non-operative or surgical method.
Non-operative (closed) therapy uses casting and traction (skin and skeletal traction).
CastingThis is done for any fracture that is displaced, shortened, or angulated. Splints and casts are made of fiberglass or Plaster of Paris (POP) and are used to immobilize the limb.
TractionThis method is used for fractures and dislocations that cannot be treated by casting. There are two methods of traction: skin traction and skeletal traction.
Skin traction involves attachment of traction tapes to the skin of the limb segment below the fracture. In skeletal traction, a pin is inserted through the bone and attached to ropes. Weights are applied, and the patient is placed in a traction apparatus. This method is commonly used for fractures of long bones.
Surgical Therapy
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)This is a surgical procedure in which the fracture site is exposed while a reduction of the fracture is done. Internal fixation is done with wires, plates, screws, and nails.
External fixationThis is a procedure in which the fracture stabilization is done outside the body using rods screwed into the bone above and below the fracture that exit the body and are attached to a stabilizer device that may be adjusted. It helps to maintain bone length and alignment without casting.
External fixation is performed in the following conditions:
- Open fractures with soft-tissue involvement
- Burns and soft tissue injuries
- Pelvic fractures
- Comminuted (shattered) and unstable fractures
- Fractures having bony deficits
- Limb-lengthening procedures
- Fractures with infection or non-union (fails to heal)
Rehabilitation
Fractures may take several weeks to months to heal completely. You should limit your activities even after the removal of the cast or brace so the bone becomes solid enough to bear stress. Rehabilitation programs involve exercises and a gradual increase in activity levels until the process of healing is complete.
Why Choose Dr. Tyler Bron for Fracture Care in Colorado Springs?
Fractures can vary significantly in their location, pattern, stability, and severity. Treatment decisions depend on factors such as whether the bone is displaced, whether the fracture involves a joint, soft-tissue damage, overall bone health, and the patient's individual needs.
Patients seeking orthopaedic fracture care in Colorado Springs, CO may benefit from:
- Board-certified orthopaedic care: Bron is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
- Advanced orthopaedic training: He completed orthopaedic surgery residency training and fellowship training in adult reconstruction.
- Individualized evaluation: Treatment recommendations are based on the fracture, imaging findings, symptoms, overall health, and functional goals.
- Comprehensive orthopaedic care: Bron's practice includes conditions affecting the hip and knee, including complex joint conditions and reconstruction.
- Nonsurgical treatment when appropriate: Certain fractures may be managed with immobilization, activity modification, and structured follow-up.
- Surgical treatment when indicated: Some fractures require surgical stabilization to restore appropriate alignment or stability.
- Patient-centered approach: Bron emphasizes listening to patients, discussing treatment options, and maintaining open communication throughout care.
Fracture Care FAQs
A fracture is a crack or break in a bone. It may be partial or complete and can range from a stable fracture with little displacement to a complex injury requiring surgical treatment.
Fractures commonly result from falls, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and other trauma. Stress fractures can develop from repetitive loading, while weakened bones may fracture after relatively minor injuries.
Fractures may be classified in several ways, including displaced or nondisplaced, stable or unstable, open or closed, and complete or incomplete. The classification depends on the location and characteristics of the injury.
An open fracture occurs when a broken bone or the injury communicates with an open wound in the skin. Because of the increased risk of infection and soft-tissue damage, open fractures require urgent medical evaluation.
Diagnosis generally includes a medical history and physical examination along with imaging. X-rays are commonly used to identify fractures and evaluate alignment. CT or other imaging may be recommended for complex injuries or fractures involving a joint.
No. Some fractures can heal with nonsurgical treatment such as splinting, casting, bracing, and activity modification. Surgery may be recommended when a fracture is significantly displaced, unstable, involves a joint, or cannot be adequately maintained in an appropriate position without fixation.
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a surgical technique used to realign a fractured bone and stabilize it with implants such as plates, screws, wires, or nails. The specific fixation method depends on the fracture.
External fixation uses pins or screws placed into the bone and connected to a stabilizing frame outside the body. It may be used for certain complex fractures, particularly when soft-tissue conditions make other forms of fixation less appropriate.
Healing time varies according to the type and location of the fracture, severity of the injury, bone health, age, treatment, and other individual factors. Some fractures heal within several weeks, while more complex injuries can take considerably longer.
The body forms a blood clot and healing tissue around the fracture. New bone gradually develops and bridges the fracture site. Over time, the newly formed bone remodels and becomes stronger.
Rehabilitation may be an important part of recovery. Once appropriate healing has occurred, a structured rehabilitation program can help restore strength, flexibility, range of motion, balance, and function.
Yes. Osteoporosis can reduce bone strength and increase the risk of fractures, particularly in older adults. Patients who experience fractures after relatively minor trauma may benefit from discussing bone health with their healthcare provider.
Seek prompt medical attention after an injury if you have significant pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, inability to bear weight, loss of function, or an open wound near a suspected fracture. Severe injuries may require urgent or emergency evaluation.
Schedule a Fracture Evaluation in Colorado Springs, CO
A suspected fracture deserves appropriate evaluation to determine the extent of the injury and whether nonsurgical or surgical treatment is needed. Dr. Tyler Bron provides individualized orthopaedic evaluation and treatment planning for patients in Colorado Springs, CO.
If you have experienced a fracture or persistent symptoms following an injury, contact Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Bron.
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