Autumn Years highlights how to heal from a broken bone according to experts including Nicholas Sama, MD, trauma surgeon at HSS Florida. 

A bone fracture is one of the most common orthopedic injuries. For those that are less serious, such as a tiny crack in a bone, the main treatment is often rest or immobilization. At the other end of the spectrum, broken bones resulting from a serious accident could require emergency surgery. Although any bone in the body can break, the collarbone, wrist, ankle, spinal vertebrae and hip are most prone to a fracture, said Dr. Sama. Breaking a bone can be a difficult and sometimes frightening experience, but with the right treatment, bones have a natural ability to heal, he said.

In Dr. Sama’s view, patient education is essential, and individuals who actively participate in their care have better outcomes. “While the outcome is dependent upon the surgeon and the surgical procedure that he or she does, it is also largely dependent upon patients knowing what to do and what not to do, participating in physical therapy and understanding what to expect,”  he explained. 

This article appeared in the Fall 2024 print edition and online at digitaledition.pub.