Complex Fractures
What are complex fractures?
A complex fracture is a severe bone break that often involves multiple fractures, displaced bone fragments, or damage to surrounding tissues such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, or blood vessels. Unlike simple fractures, complex fractures require advanced expertise and may need surgical intervention to align and stabilize the bone for proper healing.
At Iowa Ortho, our fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma specialists are experienced in treating even the most challenging fractures.
Causes of complex fractures
Complex fractures are most often the result of:
- High-impact accidents (car, motorcycle, or ATV crashes)
- Serious falls from significant heights
- Sports injuries involving direct impact or twisting forces
- Workplace injuries (heavy equipment or crush injuries)
- Gunshot or penetrating trauma
Types of complex fractures we treat
Our trauma specialists at Iowa Ortho provide care for a wide range of complex fractures, including:
- Open fractures (bone breaks through the skin)
- Comminuted fractures (bone shattered into multiple pieces)
- Intra-articular fractures (fractures that extend into the joint)
- Pelvic and acetabular fractures (hip socket and pelvis injuries)
- Peri-prosthetic fractures (fractures around joint replacements)
- Segmental fractures (a bone broken in multiple locations)
- Multiple fractures affecting more than one bone or body region
Symptoms of a complex fracture
Signs of a severe or complex fracture may include:
- Intense pain and inability to bear weight
- Visible deformity or bone protruding through the skin
- Significant swelling, bruising, or bleeding
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of function in the limb
- Open wounds or exposed bone near the injury site
Immediate medical care is critical for these injuries to prevent complications and restore mobility.
Treatment for complex fractures
At Iowa Ortho, treatment is tailored to each patient’s injury and overall health. Options may include:
Non-surgical treatment
- Immobilization with a cast or brace (in select cases)
- Pain management and close monitoring with imaging
Surgical treatment
Most complex fractures require surgical stabilization, which may involve:
- Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) – Using plates, screws, or rods to realign and stabilize the bone.
- External fixation – Placing a stabilizing frame outside the body connected to pins in the bone.
- Bone grafting – To help repair large bone defects or promote healing.
- Soft tissue repair – Addressing damage to tendons, ligaments, or skin along with the fracture.
Recovery from a complex fracture
Recovery time depends on the location and severity of the fracture. Healing typically involves:
- A hospital stay for initial stabilization and monitoring
- Physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility
- Regular follow-up visits and imaging to ensure proper healing
- A gradual return to work, sports, and daily activities
Our trauma team works closely with patients to create personalized recovery plans and provide support throughout the healing process.
Why choose Iowa Ortho for trauma and complex fractures?
- Fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma surgeons with advanced expertise
- 24/7 availability for urgent and emergent fracture care
- State-of-the-art surgical facilities and imaging technology
- Comprehensive care, from emergency treatment to long-term rehabilitation
- A patient-first approach that focuses on restoring function and preventing complications