Fracture Treatment in Delhi: A Complete Guide to Types, Surgery, Recovery & Physiotherapy

Written by the CSI Editorial Team. Medically reviewed by Dr Pushpinder Singh Bajaj, Senior Consultant, Orthopaedic, Joint Replacement, Sports Medicine & Arthroscopic Surgery, Center for Sports Injury (CSI), Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi. Last updated: 07 October 2026.

What is a fracture?

A fracture is a partial or complete break in a bone. It usually results from a fall, road accident, sports injury or direct blow. It can also occur from repetitive stress (stress fractures) or from weakened bone (osteoporosis, infection or tumours), sometimes after a very minor fall.

Types of fractures

By how the skin looks

By fracture pattern

By alignment and joint involvement

• Non-displaced: the bone ends remain in
• Displaced: the bone ends have shifted and usually need
• Intra-articular: the break extends into a joint These need very accurate repair to prevent early arthritis.
• Growth plate (Salter-Harris) fractures: these occur in children and can affect future bone growth, so follow-up matters.

Symptoms of a fracture

• Severe pain that worsens on movement or pressure
• Swelling, bruising, tenderness
• Visible deformity or an abnormal angle
• Inability to use or bear weight on the limb
• Grinding sensation, or a snap heard at the time of injury Go to the emergency room immediately if:
• The bone has pierced the skin or there is heavy bleeding
• The limb is pale, blue, cold or numb
• You suspect a neck, back, hip or pelvis fracture
• Pain is out of proportion after a leg or forearm fracture (a possible sign of compartment syndrome)
• The person is a child with an obviously deformed limb

First aid for a suspected fracture

1. Don't move the injured Do not try to straighten the limb or push a protruding bone back.
2. Immobilise the joints above and below the injury using a splint, rolled newspaper or cardboard, or a sling.
3. Control bleeding with firm pressure using a clean Do not press directly on exposed bone.
4. Apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth for about 20 Never put ice directly on skin.
5. Avoid food and drink, in case surgery is
6. If a neck or spine injury is suspected, keep the person still and call an
7. Get to a hospital with X-ray facilities as quickly as

How fractures are diagnosed

• Clinical examination: your surgeon checks the deformity, blood supply and nerve
• X-ray: the first and most important CSI has a digital X-ray facility.
• CT scan: shows complex joint and spine fractures in
• MRI: detects stress fractures, hidden fractures and associated ligament or cartilage CSI's imaging centre, DiagKnow, offers MRI, including open MRI.

• Bone density (DEXA) scan and blood tests: for fractures from minor falls, to check for osteoporosis and vitamin D or calcium CSI offers bone densitometry and has an automated pathology lab.

Fracture treatment: non-surgical and surgical

The goals of treatment are to bring the bone into good alignment, hold it still while it heals, protect the surrounding tissues, and get you moving as early as is safe.

Non-surgical (conservative) treatment

• Cast or splint: for stable, well-aligned fractures
• Sling or brace: often used for collarbone, upper-arm and some shoulder fractures
• Closed reduction: the surgeon manipulates the bone back into position without an incision, usually under anaesthesia or sedation, followed by a cast
• Traction: used selectively to hold alignment
• Buddy taping: for many toe and some finger fractures
• Pain control and monitoring: repeat X-rays check that alignment is maintained

Surgical treatment

Time-critical rules

• Open fractures need antibiotics and tetanus cover as early as possible and surgical cleaning of the wound, typically within about 24 hours.
• Hip fractures in older adults are best operated on within about 24 to 48 hours, because delay raises the risk of complications.

Treatment by body region

*These are general ranges only. Your own time depends on the fracture, your age, smoking, diabetes, nutrition and how closely instructions are followed.

Physiotherapy after a fracture: why it matters

Bone healing is only half of recovery. A cast or surgery leaves behind stiff joints, weak muscles, swelling, poor balance and fear of movement. A structured, supervised programme addresses all of these.

Typical phases (your surgeon sets the exact timing and weight-bearing limits)

1. Protection phase: swelling control, pain relief, moving the joints that are free, breathing exercises, safe use of crutches or a walker, bed and transfer training.
2. Mobility phase (once the surgeon permits): restoring joint range of motion, gentle mobilisation, scar care, walking re-education.
3. Strengthening phase: progressive resistance exercise, balance and proprioception, functional training for stairs, lifting and work tasks.
4. Return-to-activity or sport phase: power, agility, endurance and sport-specific drills, with objective checks before full return.

Nutrition and lifestyle for faster bone healing

• Calcium: about 1,000 to 1,200 mg per day from milk, curd, paneer, ragi, sesame (til) and green leafy vegetables, with supplements only as advised.
• Vitamin D: low levels are very common in Get a blood test and supplement as your doctor advises.
• Protein: enough protein supports the healing Include dal, eggs, fish, chicken, soy, milk products and nuts.
• Stop smoking: nicotine slows bone healing and raises the risk of non-
• Limit alcohol and control blood sugar if you have

• Keep to your weight-bearing instructions and attend every follow-up X-

CSI's diet consultant, Dt Garima Tokas (M.Sc. Food & Nutrition, University of Delhi; PG Diploma in Sports Nutrition, NSNIS, Sports Authority of India), can build a realistic plan for your recovery.

Possible complications

• Malunion (healing in a poor position) or non-union (failure to heal)
• Infection, particularly after open fractures
• Compartment syndrome
• Blood clots (DVT/PE) after leg, pelvis or hip fractures
• Nerve or blood vessel injury
• Joint stiffness, post-traumatic arthritis, or avascular necrosis in some fractures such as the hip or scaphoid
• Complex regional pain syndrome

Early treatment, correct fixation and supervised rehabilitation lower these risks.

Fracture care at Center for Sports Injury (CSI), Delhi

CSI is a dedicated orthopaedic, sports injury and joint replacement centre in Safdarjung Enclave with a 20-bed tertiary facility, surgical theatres, digital X-ray, MRI, a pathology lab and a rehabilitation unit under one roof. Read more about our Fracture & Complex Trauma Surgery.

Frequently asked questions

1. How long does a fracture take to heal?

Small bones such as fingers heal in about 3 to 6 weeks, while large weight-bearing bones such as the femur and tibia can take 4 to 6 months. Age, smoking, diabetes and nutrition affect the timeline.

2. Does every fracture need surgery?

No. Stable, well-aligned fractures often heal in a cast, splint or sling. Surgery is generally advised for displaced fractures, joint-surface fractures, open fractures, unstable fractures and most hip fractures.

3. How do I know if it's a fracture or a sprain?

They can feel alike. Severe pain, swelling, deformity, inability to bear weight or tenderness over the bone suggest a fracture, but only an X-ray (and sometimes MRI or CT) confirms it.

4. Can I walk on a fractured leg?

Do not put weight on a suspected fracture until it has been assessed. Weight-bearing rules after treatment depend on the fracture and fixation, and your surgeon will tell you what is safe.

5. When should physiotherapy start after a fracture?

Gentle movement of nearby uninjured joints and swelling control often begin right away. Movement and loading of the fractured area begin when your surgeon says it is safe, which is sometimes within days of surgery.

6. Is fracture surgery safe for older people?

Surgery carries risks, but for hip fractures in particular, delay and prolonged bed rest are often more dangerous. Your surgeon and anaesthetist will assess your fitness individually.

7. What if my fracture isn't healing?

A fracture that has not healed after the expected time is called a delayed union or non-union. Causes include poor stability, infection, poor blood supply, smoking and low vitamin D. Treatment may include revision fixation, bone grafting or biological therapy.

8. Does insurance cover fracture treatment?

Many policies cover fracture surgery and hospitalisation. Check our Panels/TPAs page for empanelled insurers, and confirm cashless eligibility with your insurer before admission.

Book a consultation

If you or a family member has a suspected fracture, do not wait. Early assessment prevents complications.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education and does not replace a personal medical examination. Fracture care depends on your X-rays, health and circumstances. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call an ambulance immediately.