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Fracture Surgery

Cody Covington, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon located in San Antonio, TX

With approximately 6.8 million bone fractures treated in the United States every year, it’s not a surprise that many people need fracture surgery for cases of severe bone trauma. At his practice in San Antonio, Texas, patient-focused orthopedic surgeon Cody Covington, MD, provides honest injury assessment and treatment recommendations based upon your fracture and chances of healing naturally. Book your appointment online or call the office to arrange a consultation now.

Fracture Surgery Q&A

What are the signs of a fracture?

Small fractures, such as stress fractures, are cracks in the bone rather than clean breaks. You might not have any symptoms from a stress fracture, although the fracture weakens the bone and increases the likelihood of a worse break in the future. 

Fractures are far more common in older adults, but anyone can experience a fracture injury. Most bone fractures cause symptoms starting at the time of the trauma. You may experience:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Change in joint appearance
  • Stiffness
  • Poor range of motion
  • Inability to use the body part or bear weight 

If you think you might have a bone fracture, Dr. Covington can evaluate your injury through a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI. 

After diagnosing your fracture, Dr. Covington explains the treatment options and which might work best for your recovery. 

When might I need fracture surgery?

Dr. Covington might recommend fracture surgery if you have a traumatic fracture, for example, a displaced fracture in which the bone no longer lines up, or a fracture in which your bone breaks into multiple pieces. 

In some cases, Dr. Covington treats a fracture with immobilization (brace or splint), activity modification, and rest. But, if your fracture has little chance of healing properly on its own, Dr. Covington recommends fracture surgery to set the bones in the correct alignment for healing.

What does fracture surgery involve?

The fracture surgery process depends on the type of fracture, its severity, whether you have additional damage like tendon or ligament tears, and other factors. 

In some cases, Dr. Covington treats fractures using minimally invasive, small-incision surgical methods like arthroscopy. 

With arthroscopy, he uses a thin tubular instrument for remote viewing of your joint. He then performs surgical corrections using slim tools as he watches the joint on the bedside monitor.

During knee arthroscopy, for example, Dr. Covington can treat a patella fracture and also perform anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery or make other corrections. Arthroscopy is also used for shoulder surgery and may treat other fractures as well. 

Some fractures require larger incisions and more complex corrections. Dr. Covington always uses the most reliable method of repairing your fracture. He may use internal pins, screws, and plates, or external hardware to keep your bone aligned as it heals.

Only the most serious fractures, for example, a stubborn, nonhealing hip or knee fracture, may require joint replacement, like a total hip replacement or a total knee replacement. 

If you need fracture care from a bone trauma expert, call Cody Covington, MD, or book a consultation online now.