Most fractures will heal with a period of immobilisation in a cast or brace, with some requiring surgical fixation to restore alignment and allow earlier mobilisation. More serious fractures, particularly those requiring complex reconstruction, are usually managed in the public hospital system.
Fracture healing varies considerably — from six weeks for simple fractures up to many months for complex injuries. After healing, a number of patients develop ongoing problems that benefit from specialist review.
Non-union
A non-union is a fracture that has failed to heal in the expected timeframe. Surgery is usually needed and may include re-fixation with plates and screws, bone grafting to stimulate healing, and treatment of any underlying biological or mechanical factor.
Mal-union
A mal-union is a fracture that has healed in the wrong position — with angulation, rotation or shortening. Where this causes pain, functional loss or visible deformity, corrective surgery (osteotomy) can realign the bone.
Painful metalware
Plates, screws and other implants used to fix fractures can occasionally remain symptomatic after healing — typically with localised tenderness or irritation against overlying soft tissues. Once the fracture is solidly united, the metalware can usually be removed in a relatively straightforward procedure.
Proximal hamstring tears
See the dedicated proximal hamstring repair page.