What is the difference between a fracture and a break?

There is no difference - "fracture" and "break" mean the same thing: a broken bone. The term "fracture" is simply the medical term. Fractures can range from hairline cracks to complete breaks with bone displacement, and treatment depends on the type, location, and severity of the fracture.

Do all fractures require surgery?

No, many fractures can be treated without surgery using casts, splints, or braces to immobilize the bone while it heals. Surgery is typically needed for fractures that are displaced (bones out of alignment), unstable, involve joints, have bone fragments, or aren't healing properly with conservative treatment.

How long does it take for a broken bone to heal?

Healing time varies by bone location, fracture severity, age, and overall health. Small bones like fingers may heal in 3-4 weeks. Larger bones like the femur may take 3-6 months. Children typically heal faster than adults. Proper nutrition, not smoking, and following medical advice promote faster healing.

When should I go to the ER versus urgent care for an injury?

Go to the ER for severe bleeding, visible bone deformity, suspected spinal injury, loss of consciousness, or injuries involving the head, chest, or abdomen. Urgent care or walk-in orthopedic clinics like ours can handle suspected fractures of arms, legs, hands, feet, sprains, and dislocations. We provide specialized orthopedic care without ER wait times.

Fracture Care & Broken Bone Treatment

Movement Orthopedics provides urgent orthopedic trauma care for patients throughout Southeast Michigan. Our team is experienced in treating everything from simple fractures to complex polytrauma, with same-day walk-in availability at our Clinton Township location. We combine rapid assessment with advanced surgical techniques to stabilize injuries and restore function as quickly as possible.

Conditions We Treat

Fractures: Simple and complex broken bones throughout the body
Dislocations: Joint displacement requiring urgent reduction
Open Fractures: Fractures with skin breach requiring emergent care
Polytrauma: Multiple simultaneous orthopedic injuries
Malunions & Nonunions: Improperly healed or non-healing fractures

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Care:

Splinting and casting for stable fractures
Pain management and anti-inflammatory care
Closed reduction procedures
Rehabilitation and physical therapy

Surgical Care:

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
External fixation for complex fractures
Fracture stabilization with plates, screws, and rods
Reconstructive surgery for complex trauma
Hardware removal after healing

Our Trauma Specialists

Jeffrey J. Carroll, DO

Medical Director • Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

Experienced in acute fracture care and complex orthopedic trauma reconstruction.

Troy Keoni Williams, MD

Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Hand Surgeon

Expert in upper extremity trauma including hand, wrist, and elbow fractures.

Sebastian Benenati, DPM

Board-Certified Foot Surgeon & Podiatrist

Specializing in foot and ankle fracture care and reconstruction.

Fracture & Orthopedic Trauma Care

Services