A broken bone (fracture) from a fall, an accident or a sports injury raises several questions: does it need surgery or a cast, how long will it take to heal, and will the metal stay in? Many stable fractures heal in a cast. When a bone is out of position, is unstable or has broken through the skin, surgery to hold it in the correct position may be needed.
Fracture surgery (surgical fixation) uses implants such as plates, screws, nails or wires to hold the broken bone in position while it heals, so that nearby joints can be moved early.
At PMG Hospital, Gota, emergency and trauma care is available 24×7, and fractures of the arms and legs are treated with both non-surgical care and surgery. This page explains which fractures need surgery, the implants used, implant removal, healing, recovery, risks and cost factors.
Common Fractures and How They Are Fixed
| Body area | Common fractures | Typical fixation when surgery is needed |
|---|---|---|
| Wrist and forearm | Fractures of the lower end of the radius; fractures of the forearm bones | Plate and screws, or wires |
| Upper arm and collarbone | Fractures of the arm bone (humerus) and collarbone (clavicle) | Plate and screws, or a nail; many heal without surgery |
| Hand and fingers | Fractures of the hand bones (metacarpals) and finger bones (phalanges) | Screws, wires or a small plate; many are treated with a splint |
| Thigh and leg | Fractures of the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) | Intramedullary nail; plates for some fracture patterns |
| Ankle and foot | Ankle, heel and midfoot fractures | Plates and screws |
Fractures around the knee, hip, shoulder and elbow are described on separate pages: Knee trauma · Hip trauma · Shoulder and elbow trauma
Bone Fracture Treatment in Ahmedabad: Cast or Surgery?
| Often treated with a cast, splint or brace | Surgery is usually considered |
|---|---|
| Stable fractures in good position | Displaced or unstable fractures |
| Fractures that stay in position after being set (closed reduction) | Comminuted fractures (broken into several pieces) that are unstable |
| Many fractures in children | Open fractures (through the skin) |
| Fractures that run into a joint surface and are out of position |
An open fracture is an emergency because of the risk of bone infection. It needs antibiotics, tetanus protection, urgent cleaning of the wound and stabilisation of the bone. A bone fracture treatment hospital in Ahmedabad should provide casting and other non-surgical treatment as well as surgery, because many fractures heal without an operation.
Assessment of a Fracture
A bone fracture doctor in Ahmedabad - an orthopaedic surgeon - assesses the injury before advising treatment:
- 1Examination: the injured limb, the skin, the circulation and the nerves
- 2X-rays: of the injured bone and the joints above and below it
- 3CT scan: in selected cases, especially for fractures that run into a joint
- 4Fitness for surgery: blood tests and other checks as needed
Bone Fracture Surgery in Ahmedabad: Step by Step
The main steps are similar in any bone fracture surgery hospital in Ahmedabad:
- 1Anaesthesia: regional anaesthesia (a nerve block or spinal anaesthesia) or general anaesthesia, depending on the bone and the operation
- 2Reduction: the fracture is put back into position, either through a cut (open reduction) or without opening the fracture site (closed reduction), using X-ray imaging during surgery
- 3Fixation: the bone is held with plates and screws, an intramedullary nail, wires or screws, or an external fixator
- 4Closure: the wound is closed and dressed, and a splint or cast may be applied
Will the Metal Stay In?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do plates and screws stay in? | Usually yes; most implants cause no problems |
| When is an implant removed? | If it causes pain or irritation, if there is an infection, or in some children and young people |
| Is removal a large operation? | Usually a smaller, planned operation after the bone has fully healed, but it has its own risks, including a new fracture through the screw holes |
How Bones Heal, and What Helps
A fracture heals as new bone forms across the break. Many fractures in adults heal in about six to twelve weeks; large bones and complex fractures often take longer. Things that help healing include:
- Not smoking, because smoking slows bone healing
- Good control of blood sugar in people with diabetes
- A balanced diet with enough protein, calcium and vitamin D
- Following the advice on weight-bearing and exercises
When a Fracture Does Not Heal
Some fractures heal slowly (delayed union), some do not heal (non-union), and some heal in a poor position (malunion). These problems are more likely after severe or open fractures, with infection, and in people who smoke or have diabetes. Treatment may include more stable fixation and bone grafting, after checking for infection.
Recovery After Fracture Surgery
| Time | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| First days | Pain control; elevation of the limb; early movement of nearby joints, as advised |
| First weeks | Protected use or limited weight-bearing, depending on the bone and the fixation |
| About 6–12 weeks | Many fractures show healing on X-rays; weight-bearing and activity are increased |
| Beyond | Physiotherapy to rebuild strength; gradual return to work and sport |
Risks and Possible Complications
Fracture surgery is a common operation, but no surgery is without risk. The surgeon explains these risks before taking consent.
- Infection of the wound or bone, which may need further surgery
- Delayed healing or non-healing of the fracture (delayed union or non-union), or healing in a poor position (malunion)
- Stiffness of nearby joints
- Injury to nerves or blood vessels, which is uncommon
- Compartment syndrome, a rise in pressure within the muscles that needs emergency surgery
- Blood clots in the leg veins or lungs, especially after leg and pelvic fractures
- Irritation from the implant, which may need to be removed later
- Anaesthesia-related and general medical risks
Bone Fracture Hospital in Ahmedabad
When choosing a bone fracture hospital in Ahmedabad, check that the treating surgeon is a qualified orthopaedic surgeon with valid medical council registration, that the hospital regularly treats these injuries, whether emergency care, X-rays and other scans are available at all hours, how infection is prevented, which implants are available, what physiotherapy and follow-up are provided, and what the written estimate includes.
Look beyond general phrases such as "a bone fracture hospital with modern facilities" and ask which facilities are actually available on site.
Bone Fracture Surgery Cost in Ahmedabad
- The bone and the type of fracture
- The implants used (screws, plates, nails or external fixators)
- Whether the fracture is open, and the number of injuries
- The type of anaesthesia
- Length of hospital stay and room category
- Physiotherapy and follow-up
A written, itemised estimate can be requested from the hospital after assessment.
Insurance
- Treatment of fractures is generally covered under health insurance policies, subject to policy terms and insurer approval
- Some policies have limits on room rent or implant costs; check these with your insurer
- Ask the hospital whether cashless treatment is available with your insurer, and whether the hospital is empanelled under the government health scheme that applies to you
Bone Fracture Doctor in Ahmedabad
Fractures are treated by an orthopaedic surgeon, who decides whether a cast, a splint or surgery is needed and carries out the treatment. An emergency doctor often sees the injury first, and other doctors join the care when there are other injuries or medical conditions. Different professionals are involved at different stages:
| Doctor or therapist | Role in fracture care |
|---|---|
| Emergency doctor | First assessment after an injury; pain relief, a temporary splint and first X-rays; checks for other injuries |
| Orthopaedic surgeon | Examines the limb, decides between a cast and surgery, sets or fixes the fracture, and follows healing on X-rays |
| Radiologist | Performs and reports the X-rays and CT scans |
| Anaesthetist | Checks fitness for surgery and gives regional or general anaesthesia |
| General surgeon and other doctors | Treat head, chest or abdominal injuries when there are several injuries |
| Physician | Manages diabetes and other conditions, and checks bone strength (osteoporosis) after a fracture from a minor fall |
| Physiotherapist | Guides safe movement, weight-bearing and strengthening during and after healing |
Bone Fracture Surgery Doctor in Ahmedabad
Before agreeing to treatment, it is reasonable to ask your bone fracture surgery doctor in Ahmedabad a few clear questions about your own injury. The answers help you understand the plan and give informed consent.
- What type of fracture do I have, and is it stable and in a good position?
- Could my fracture be treated in a cast or splint, and what would that mean for healing and stiffness?
- If surgery is needed, which implant will be used, and will the fracture site be opened?
- Does the fracture involve a joint surface, and does that affect the risk of stiffness or arthritis later?
- How much weight can I put on the limb, and for how long?
- When will the follow-up X-rays be done, and how will I know the bone is healing?
- When can I return to work, drive or play sport?
- If the fracture happened after a minor fall, should my bone strength be tested?
Bone Fracture Treatment Hospital in Ahmedabad
Fractures often need care at short notice and then follow-up over several months, so the hospital should be able to assess an injury at any hour, treat it safely and support recovery. These are the facilities that matter most:
| Facility | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Emergency and trauma care at all hours | Injuries happen at any time, and open fractures need urgent treatment |
| X-ray, and access to CT scanning | Shows the fracture pattern, especially when it runs into a joint |
| Casting and splinting | Many fractures heal without surgery |
| Operation theatre with X-ray imaging during surgery and infection-control practices | Needed to put the bone into position and fix it safely |
| A range of implants | Plates, screws, nails, wires and external fixators suit different fractures |
| Anaesthesia services | Regional or general anaesthesia, and pain relief |
| Physiotherapy service | Restores movement and strength during and after healing |
The facilities available at PMG Hospital are listed further below on this page.
Treating Surgeon
At PMG Hospital, bone fracture surgery is performed by:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Dr. Hiren Patel |
| Qualification | MS (Ortho), B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad |
| Specialty | Orthopaedics |
| Designation | Director & Head Joint Replacement Surgeon, PMG Hospital |
| Registration status | Registered Medical Practitioner |
| Registration number | Gujarat Medical Council Reg. No. G-20583 |
| OPD availability | Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
Facilities at PMG Hospital
- Orthopaedic OPD, Monday to Saturday
- Emergency and trauma care, 24×7
- Orthopaedic physiotherapy centre
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a broken bone always need surgery?
No. Many stable fractures that are in good position heal in a cast, splint or brace. Surgery is usually considered when the bone is out of position or unstable, when the fracture is open (through the skin), or when the fracture runs into a joint surface and is out of position. X-rays and the pattern of the fracture help to decide.
Will the plates and screws need to be removed?
Usually not. Most implants are left in place and cause no problems. Removal may be considered if an implant causes pain or irritation, if there is an infection, or in some children and young people. Removal is a planned operation, usually done after the bone has fully healed, and it has its own risks.
How long does a broken bone take to heal?
Many fractures in adults heal in about six to twelve weeks, but this varies with the bone, the type of fracture, age, general health and smoking. Large bones and complex fractures often take longer, and strength and movement continue to improve after the bone has healed.
What helps a fracture heal?
Not smoking, good control of blood sugar in people with diabetes, a balanced diet with enough protein, calcium and vitamin D, and following the advice on weight-bearing and exercises all help. Smoking slows bone healing and increases the risk of the fracture not healing.
Is fracture surgery done under general anaesthesia?
It depends on the bone and the operation. Many arm and leg operations can be done under regional anaesthesia, such as a nerve block or spinal anaesthesia, sometimes with sedation; others need general anaesthesia. The anaesthetist explains the options before surgery.
What if my fracture does not heal?
A fracture that heals slowly (delayed union) or does not heal (non-union) can usually be treated. Treatment depends on the cause and may include more stable fixation and bone grafting, after checking for infection. Continuing pain or movement at the fracture months after the injury should be assessed.
What facilities should a hospital have for fracture surgery?
It should have 24×7 emergency care, X-ray and access to CT scanning, an operation theatre suitable for fracture surgery with X-ray imaging during surgery and strict infection-control practices, a range of implants, anaesthesia services and physiotherapy.
What decides the cost of fracture surgery?
The cost depends on the bone and the type of fracture, the implants used (screws, plates, nails or external fixators), whether the fracture is open, the number of injuries, the type of anaesthesia, the length of hospital stay, room category and physiotherapy. A written, itemised estimate can be requested from the hospital after assessment.
Contact and Location
PMG Hospital
3rd Floor, Athena Avenue, B/H Jaguar Showroom, Nr. Eulogia Inn Hotel, Gota, Ahmedabad, India
- Phone / WhatsApp:
- +91 96627 70141
- OPD:
- Mon – Sat · 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Emergency and trauma care:
- 24×7