Fractures can vary from a small crack in the bone to a completely shattered bone. If the bone ends are close together usually the orthopaedic surgeon will simply immobilise the limb in a cast so that the bones can't move. If the fracture is more severe the surgeon may well decide to operate and pin the bones back together. A dislocated joint needs to be realigned by an orthopaedic surgeon and, depending on the site of the injury, immobilised for a while. This is so that ligaments that have been overstretched by the injury can heal in an optimum position.
If you are really unlucky you can both fracture a bone and dislocate a nearby joint at the same time. Usually the force required to fracture a bone or dislocate a joint is severe. Inevitably other structures, such as muscles, are also injured to a more minor extent.
During the natural healing of these injuries, especially if the bone or joint is immobilised, the limb will stiffen up and the muscles that are unable to work normally will weaken. To limit this as much as possible, you should move all the joints that are not immobilised as much as your pain allows. Always follow your surgeon's advice about how much you can, or can't do. Fractures and dislocations are very painful so please make sure you take adequate pain relief in the early stages.
Once the cast has been removed physiotherapy can be very useful to loosen up your joints, strengthen up your muscles and return you to full function as soon as possible. Please ask your surgeon to refer you, especially if you are having difficulty recovering.
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