Cast Immobilization
A plaster or fiberglass cast is the most common type of fracture treatment, because most broken bones can heal successfully once they have been repositioned and a cast has been applied to keep the broken ends in proper position while they heal.
ORIF (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation)
In this type of treatment, an orthopaedist must perform surgery on the bone. The bone fragments are repositioned (reduced) into their normal alignment, and then held together with special screws or by attaching metal plates to the outer surface of the bone.
External Fixation
In this type of treatment, pins or screws are placed into the broken bone above and below the fracture site. The orthopaedic surgeon then repositions the bone fragments. The pins or screws are connected to a metal bar or bars outside the skin. This device is a stabilizing frame that holds the bones in the proper position so they can heal.