Expert Bone Fracture Treatment in Morgantown, WV
Comprehensive Fracture Care to Get You Back on Your Feet
A broken bone, or fracture, is a serious injury that requires immediate and expert medical attention. Whether it happens during a sports game, in an accident, or from a simple fall, a fracture can cause significant pain and disrupt your life. Proper fracture care is essential not just for healing the bone, but for ensuring you regain full strength, function, and mobility. From simple breaks that require casting to complex injuries needing surgical repair, receiving timely and appropriate treatment from a fracture specialist is the key to a successful recovery.
Since 1977, Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates (MOA) has been the trusted provider of comprehensive fracture care for patients of all ages in Morgantown and North Central West Virginia. Our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons has deep experience in treating the full range of fractures, including foot/ankle fractures and hand/wrist fractures.
We are committed to building personal relationships with our patients, offering compassionate and cutting-edge care from diagnosis through rehabilitation. With our strong partnership with Mon Health Medical Center, we provide both non-surgical and advanced surgical fracture treatments to help you heal correctly and return to your life.
If you suspect you have a fracture, don't wait. At MOA, we pride ourselves on our ability to see patients quickly, often much faster than large hospital systems.
What is fracture care, and how does it work?
Fracture care is a specialized area of orthopedics focused on the complete management of broken bones. It encompasses everything from the initial diagnosis to the final stages of rehabilitation. The process begins with an accurate diagnosis, typically involving a physical examination and imaging like X-rays, to determine the exact location and type of fracture. Treatment depends on the severity of the break. For non-displaced fractures, where the bone is broken but still in proper alignment, treatment may involve non-surgical methods like casting, splinting, or bracing to immobilize the bone and allow it to heal naturally. For more complex or displaced fractures, surgical intervention may be required. This often involves a procedure called open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), where a surgeon realigns the bone fragments and uses plates, screws, or rods to hold them in place. The ultimate goal of fracture care is to ensure the bone heals in the correct position, restoring stability and function to the injured area.
What are the symptoms of a bone fracture?
The symptoms of a bone fracture can vary depending on the location and severity of the break, but some signs are common. The most immediate symptom is typically moderate to severe pain, which often feels sharp and intensifies with movement or pressure. You may also hear or feel a "snap" or grinding noise at the moment of injury. Other classic symptoms include significant swelling around the injured area, bruising or discoloration of the skin, and tenderness when the area is touched. A visible deformity, such as a limb looking bent or out of place, is a clear sign of a significant fracture. Perhaps most tellingly, you will likely have difficulty using the limb or putting any weight on it. It is important to seek medical evaluation for these symptoms, as only an X-ray can definitively diagnose a fracture.
How do I know if I need to see a fracture specialist?
You should see a fracture specialist, an orthopedic surgeon, any time you suspect you have broken a bone. While an emergency room or urgent care center is often the first stop for an acute injury, following up with an orthopedic specialist is crucial for proper long-term management. You should make an appointment if you experience any of the classic fracture symptoms after an injury, such as intense pain, swelling, deformity, or an inability to bear weight. Even if an initial X-ray in an emergency setting is read as negative, persistent pain and swelling warrant a second look from a specialist. An orthopedic doctor has the expertise to read imaging with a trained eye and can determine the best course of treatment—whether surgical or non-surgical—to ensure optimal healing and prevent future complications like arthritis or chronic pain.
What is the recovery process like after fracture treatment?
The recovery process from a fracture varies greatly depending on the bone that was broken, the type of fracture, and the treatment method used. The first phase is immobilization. For both non-surgical and surgical treatments, the injured area will be placed in a cast, splint, or boot for several weeks to several months to allow the bone to heal. During this time, you will likely have restrictions on weight-bearing. Once the bone shows adequate healing on X-rays, the next phase of recovery begins: rehabilitation. Physical therapy is almost always a critical component. A therapist will guide you through exercises designed to restore your range of motion, rebuild muscle strength that was lost during immobilization, and improve balance and function. The full recovery timeline can range from a few months for a simple wrist fracture to a year or more for a complex leg fracture.
How much does fracture treatment cost?
The cost of fracture treatment depends on many factors, including the type of fracture and the treatment required. Non-surgical treatment with casting and follow-up visits is less expensive than surgical treatment. The cost of surgery can vary based on the complexity of the procedure, the hardware used (plates, screws), the length of the hospital stay, and your specific health insurance plan. Most insurance plans cover fracture care as it is a medically necessary service. The total cost includes the fees for the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and the hospital or outpatient surgery center. The administrative team at Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates is experienced in working with insurance providers and can help you understand your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.
More Questions About Fracture Care
Do I need a referral to see a fracture specialist at MOA?
No, you do not need a referral to schedule an appointment for a fracture evaluation at Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates. We provide direct access to our specialists, which is especially important for acute injuries that require prompt attention.
How quickly can I schedule an appointment for fracture care?
We understand the urgency of a potential fracture. At MOA, we prioritize seeing patients with acute injuries and can typically schedule appointments much faster than larger hospital systems, ensuring you receive timely diagnosis and treatment.
What should I expect during a fracture care consultation?
During your consultation, an orthopedic specialist will discuss how the injury occurred and your symptoms. They will perform a careful physical examination of the injured area and will take X-rays in our office to get a clear view of the bones. Based on these findings, your doctor will confirm the diagnosis, explain the type of fracture, and discuss the best treatment plan for your specific injury.
What are the risks of fracture treatment?
While modern fracture care is very safe, all medical treatments have potential risks. For non-surgical casting, risks can include skin irritation, pressure sores, and joint stiffness. For surgical treatment, risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels, and potential issues with bone healing (such as a nonunion, where the bone fails to heal). Our experienced surgeons take every precaution to minimize these risks and will discuss them with you in detail.