Broken Bones

About 6 million people break bones each year in the United States. Getting treatment helps ensure proper healing and eases any discomfort. With offices in Beverly Hills and the Brentwood neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, Robert H. Cho, MD, diagnoses and treats broken bones to maximize recovery. Schedule an appointment with orthopedic surgeon Robert Cho, MD, by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What are broken bones?

Broken bones (fractures) occur when there is a break in one or more of your bones. They’re common injuries, but they can be painful or debilitating when left untreated. 

You can often make a full recovery after breaking a bone, but early treatment is required. See Dr. Cho at the first sign of a fracture or similar injury.

What are the symptoms of broken bones?

Symptoms of fractures may include:

• Pain
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Discoloration
• Visible bone deformity
• Reduced ability to move the affected body part

Some types of bone breaks are more serious than others. An open fracture breaks through the skin and often takes longer to heal. Closed fractures don’t push through your skin.

A displaced fracture causes a gap around the fracture and is more likely to need surgical repair. Non-displaced fractures don’t move out of alignment, but they need adequate time to heal. 

What are the risk factors for broken bones?

Risk factors for broken bones include:

• Falls
• Car accidents
• Sports injuries
• Work-related injuries
• Repetitive activities
• Overtraining
• Osteoporosis
• Aging

Training properly and wearing the correct equipment, especially when working with heavy machinery or playing contact sports, may reduce your risk of fractures and other sports or work-related injuries.

How are broken bones diagnosed?

Dr. Cho examines the injured part of your body and discusses how the injury occurred, as well as your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. 

You’ll need an imaging procedure, such as: 

• X-rays  
• MRI  
• CT scan  
• Bone scan

After Dr. Cho determines the type of fracture you have and its severity, he personalizes an effective treatment plan. 

How are broken bones treated?

Your treatment for a broken bone may consist of:

• Bone immobilization 
• Casting
• Closed reduction to realign the bone
• External fixation
• Bone grafts
• Bone fracture surgery
• Joint replacement

Dr. Cho uses the most appropriate treatment for a broken bone to ensure you make a full recovery and regain function. He uses the latest advances in technology and procedures to maximize your results.

If your broken bone was caused by osteoporosis, you might need additional treatments to reduce the risk of further fractures.

If you suspect broken bones, schedule an appointment with Robert H. Cho, MD, by calling the office or booking online today.