Non-surgical Bone Fractures and Dislocations

Ogden Clinic’s sports medicine specialists care for Utahns of all ages, sports, and experience levels. From head injuries to ankle sprains; stress fractures to chronic pain, sports medicine offers effective treatment modalities without an invasive surgery. Sports medicine specialists are doctors who’ve received additional training in techniques for rehabilitation, injection therapy, braces, and others designed to help the patient’s own body recover itself.

Not all fractures can be corrected without surgery, but many of them can. Fractures can range from a minor problem to a serious issue, and every broken bone is treated with the upmost care. Our sports medicine specialists can diagnose and manage nearly every type of fracture and will refer care to an orthopedist if surgery is required.

How are fractures treated without surgery?

Whether surgery is needed or not, every fracture heals by immobilizing the bone and giving it time to reconnect and strengthen. Immobilization can be done with a boot, a splint, a cast, or a brace depending on where the fracture occurs and how severe it is. A sports medicine specialist will work with you to determine which treatment approach is best for your fracture.

In some cases, the bone may need to be set back into place or aligned to promote healing. Sports medicine specialists are experts in setting fractures for a safe and strong recovery.

What is non-surgical treatment for fractures?

After immobilization, you’ll begin following up with your sports medicine doctor to ensure the fracture is healing as it should. As you recover, the goal of fracture treatment is to restore strength and preserve range of motion to the affected area.

Ogden Clinic sports medicine physicians use several different modalities depending on the patient’s progress and fracture type. Bone stimulation is a low electric current that helps to speed up bone healing. It can be ultrasonic or electric. This method jumpstarts the healing process, causing the body to produce proteins that begin repairing cells at the injury site.

Most people who’ve endured fractures will need to begin physical therapy to preserve the strength and range of motion in the joints/muscles surrounding the fracture. Physical therapy is also required after the bone heals and the sling is removed. Our Northern Utah sports medicine specialists work closely with in-network physical therapists and your primary care physician – it’s a comprehensive approach that helps our patients get back to the activities they love.

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