Fixing the Fracture

When you arrive at the hospital, your fracture will be made stable with:

• A splint, sling, or wrap (for elbow, wrist, or knee injuries)
• Well-placed pillows (for a broken hip or spinal fractures).

This will keep you as comfortable as possible and prevent more damage. 

If you are in good health, you may have surgery within one to three days to repair the bone. In some cases, the surgeon may wait longer to make sure that any infections or severe osteoporosis are treated.

Older adults who were not able to move or were very ill before the injury may not be able to have surgery.  They face a high risk for problems.

After Surgery

After surgery or other treatment for your fracture, you will have to keep it from shifting its place for several weeks. A cast may be needed.

After repair, preventing problems and stiffness for older people is important. They may need physical therapy or rehabilitation as soon as possible. For example, a partial or full hip replacement may be needed in some cases of hip fractures. After surgery on a broken hip, most people will be asked to stand on it right away.

For Spinal Fractures

Healthcare professionals may recommend that compression fractures of the spine be treated by surgery, called vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. These surgeries sometimes are recommended when pain from the fractures cannot be managed with pain medicine and physical therapy.

• In vertebroplasty, cement is injected directly into the vertebrae to manage pain and prevent more problems.
• Kyphoplasty uses an inflated balloon inserted through a needle to raise the fracture and fill the cavity with cement. This is done to manage pain, reduce loss of height and decrease kyphosis (curved spine).

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons states that kyphoplasty is an option for pain control. However, the Academy recommends against vertebroplasty based on research showing no significant decrease in pain. In 2019, the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research recommended against both surgeries until more research shows that they are safe and effective.

Drug Treatment/Medications

Pain Management

Pain from a bone injury is often high at the beginning. It decreases gradually over the first few weeks. However, pain sometimes persists for several months. While in the hospital you will receive pain medicine and may need a prescription for it when you go home.

People who experience pain due to compression fractures in their vertebrae need pain medication and physical therapy. Their pain usually lasts 2–4 weeks and can be severe. A physical therapist can offer exercises, alternative methods for reducing pain and teach people how to move to prevent future falls. Back braces may help to decrease pain and disability after a fracture.

Osteoporosis

If a person has osteoporosis, their healthcare professional will probably prescribe a medication to improve bone strength.  Examples include bisphosphonates (such as alendronate or risedronate), parathyroid hormone analogs (such as teriparatide), or a RANKL inhibitor called denosumab.

These medications only work if a person has enough calcium and vitamin D, so they may get prescriptions for these supplements. However, you need to talk with your healthcare professional before taking over the counter supplements.

Non-Drug Therapies 

Diet

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is important. So is getting enough calcium and vitamin D, Check with a dietitian or nutritionist for the best diet for you.   

Exercise

Physical and occupational therapists (they design exercise programs to help you regain your abilities) will provide you with a program that meets your needs. The more you can do, the more quickly you will recover.   

Last Updated  December 2022