About Complex Fractures
Key Highlights
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Restores Anatomical Alignment: Precise surgical realignment of bone fragments for optimal healing and function.Provides Stable Fixation: Use of internal hardware (plates, screws, rods) to immobilize the fracture, promoting union.Preserves Joint Function: Aims to restore mobility and prevent long-term stiffness or arthritis, especially in intra-articular fractures.listrongReduces Healing Time:/strong Compared to non-surgical management for complex cases, surgery can lead to more predictable and timely bone union./lilistrongMinimizes Deformity Risk:/strong Surgical stabilization significantly lowers the chance of the bone healing in a misaligned position (malunion)./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Open fractures (bone breaks through the skin).
- Intra-articular fractures (breaks extending into a joint surface).
- Comminuted fractures (bone shattered into three or more pieces).
- Fractures with significant displacement or angulation that cannot be corrected by casting alone.
- Fractures associated with neurovascular injury requiring exploration and repair.
- Unstable fractures prone to re-displacement after closed reduction.
- Non-union or malunion of a previously treated fracture.
- Pathological fractures due to underlying bone disease (e.g., osteoporosis, tumor).
How to prepare
- Medical Evaluation: Comprehensive assessment including medical history, physical exam, and review of medications (especially blood thinners).
- Imaging: Detailed X-rays, and often a CT scan or MRI, to fully evaluate the fracture pattern and plan surgery.
- Pre-operative Tests: Blood tests, ECG, and possibly chest X-ray to ensure fitness for anesthesia.
- Wound Management: For open fractures, immediate irrigation, debridement, and antibiotics to prevent infection.
- Patient Counseling: Discussion of surgical plan, risks, benefits, anesthesia, and the recovery process.
- Fasting: Instructions to avoid food and drink for a specified period (typically 6-8 hours) before surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection: Risk is higher in open fractures or prolonged surgeries.
- Bleeding and Hematoma: Excessive bleeding during or after the procedure.
- Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage: Potential injury during surgery leading to numbness, weakness, or circulation problems.
- Blood Clots (DVT/PE): Risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
- Hardware Complications: Irritation, loosening, or breakage of plates/screws; may require removal.
- Non-union or Malunion: Failure of the bone to heal or healing in an incorrect position.
- Stiffness and Loss of Motion: Especially if the fracture involves a joint.
- Anesthesia Risks: Reactions to anesthesia medications.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Chronic pain and swelling in the affected limb.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital Stay: Typically required for pain management, monitoring, and initial physical therapy.
- Pain Management: Medications are prescribed to control post-operative pain and inflammation.
- Wound Care: Keeping the incision clean and dry, with instructions on recognizing signs of infection.
- Immobilization & Weight-Bearing: Use of a splint, cast, or brace initially. Weight-bearing status (non-weight-bearing, partial, full) is strictly guided by the surgeon based on the fracture.
- Physical Therapy: Crucial for regaining strength, range of motion, and function. Therapy often starts in the hospital and continues for weeks or months.
- Follow-up Appointments: Regular visits for X-rays to monitor healing progress and adjust the rehabilitation plan.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Dietary focus on protein, calcium, and Vitamin D for bone health; smoking cessation is critical.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for functional recovery; up to 12-18 months for full healing and strength
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering complex fractures in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for complex fractures in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform complex fractures. MediFyr helps you compare orthopedists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for complex fractures compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 500 Thousand | 3-7 days | ~ 3-6 months for functional recovery; up to 12-18 months for full healing and strength | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.75 Million | 3-7 days | ~ 3-6 months for functional recovery; up to 12-18 months for full healing and strength | Know More |
Top hospitals for Complex Fractures in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing complex fractures.
Arjun Davis, a 28-year-old construction foreman...
Arjun Davis, a 28-year-old construction foreman and weekend rugby player, suffered a devastating injury during a match. He sustained a complex, open tibial plateau fracture with significant bone displacement and soft tissue damage after a high-impact tackle. His leg was visibly deformed, swollen, and he was in excruciating pain. The ER doctor, concerned about the risk of arthritis and permanent instability, recommended urgent orthopedic surgery. Arjun underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), a lengthy procedure where a metal plate and screws were used to meticulously reconstruct his shattered knee joint. The post-operative recovery was grueling; he was non-weight-bearing for 12 weeks, followed by months of intensive physiotherapy to regain range of motion and strength. Emotionally, Arjun was initially devastated, fearing he might never work or play sports again. He struggled with frustration during the slow recovery. However, after 9 months of diligent rehab, he regained over 90% function. He returned to a supervisory role at work and, while he gave up competitive rugby, he now enjoys coaching. The experience gave him a profound appreciation for his body's resilience and a new perspective on his long-term health.
Orthopedists for Complex Fractures
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform complex fractures and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 48 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 28 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore