Fractures - General Principles
The basics principles of radiological fracture evaluation.
Treatment
The treatment of fractures aims to restore bone continuity, stability, and overall function of the affected region. This can be achieved either with conservative treatment or operative treatment (explained below). The choice of therapy largely depends on specific fracture characteristics (e.g., type/location, degree of displacement, and risk of complications) and patient-specific factors (e.g., age, overall health/comorbidities, and functional demands).
Conservative treatment:
- Immobilisation, for example, using a cast, compression bandage, or brace. If necessary, this is preceded by closed reduction (also known as “repositioning”) to correct displacement and restore the anatomical alignment as much as possible.
- Rest and pain management
- Physiotherapy/rehabilitation
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Text & Illustrations
drs. A. van der Plas, MSK radiologist Maastricht UMC+
Sources:
- W. Ghanem et al.; State of the Nonunion: A review of the latest literature. Orthopedic Reviews (2025)
- JD. Thomas; JL. Kehoe; Bone Nonunion. Statpearls (2023)
- KM. Bowers et al.; Delayed Union and Nonunion: Current Concepts, Prevention, and Correction: A Review. Bioengineering (2024)
- M. Odorizzi; Posttraumatic Pseudoarthrosis of a Clavicle Fracture in an 11-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report and Analysis. Case Rep Orthop (2020)
- B.J. Manaster et al. The Requisites – Musculoskeletal Imaging. 2007
- N. Raby et al. Accident & Emergency Radiology – A Survival Guide. 2005.
05/12/2025
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