Fracture Treatment

It is often impossible to tell without a clinical examination and X-ray. Signs more suggestive of a fracture include pinpoint tenderness directly over bone, significant swelling within the first hour, visible deformity, and inability to bear any weight at all. However, a severe sprain can mimic a fracture in presentation. If in doubt — particularly after a significant mechanism of injury — come in for assessment. Dr. Sarish Sharma can diagnose most injuries clinically and will use targeted imaging where needed.

A scotch cast (fibreglass cast) is made from a synthetic woven material impregnated with polyurethane resin. It is significantly lighter than traditional plaster of Paris (POP) — roughly half the weight — yet harder and more durable. It is water-resistant, sets in minutes rather than hours, and is more comfortable for long-term wear. Dr. Sarish Sharma uses scotch cast for patients who need a long immobilisation period or who are active and need a robust but lightweight option. POP slabs and traditional plaster still have their place — particularly in the acute setting when swelling is still changing.

A fracture that has not healed after 3 months is classified as a delayed union — and after 6 months without healing, it is a non-union. This is more common in patients with Vitamin D3 deficiency (extremely prevalent in India), low bone mineral density, diabetes, or poor nutrition. Before considering revision surgery, Bone Marrow Injection (BMI) therapy — delivering autologous stem cells directly into the fracture — is a highly effective non-surgical option that can restart the healing cascade. Combined with vitamin deficiency correction, many non-union fractures heal successfully without the need for further surgery.

In most cases, implants do not need to be removed once the fracture has healed. Modern titanium and stainless steel implants are designed to remain in the body permanently without causing problems for the vast majority of patients. Removal may be considered if the implant causes local irritation, prominent hardware beneath the skin, or limits future treatment options. Dr. Sarish Sharma discusses implant choice and the question of removal individually with each patient before surgery.

Yes — absolutely. Vitamin D3 is essential for calcium absorption and bone mineralisation. Severe D3 deficiency leads to osteomalacia (soft bone), significantly increases the risk of stress fractures and fragility fractures, and dramatically impairs fracture healing once it occurs. India has one of the highest rates of Vitamin D3 deficiency in the world — affecting up to 70–90% of the urban population due to indoor lifestyles, pollution reducing sunlight exposure, and low dietary intake. Dr. Sarish Sharma routinely checks and corrects D3 levels as part of fracture management — particularly in delayed union cases.

Bring any imaging you have — it is helpful. However, do not delay your appointment waiting to get a scan. Dr. Sarish Sharma uses a clinical-first approach: he assesses the injury through examination and directs targeted imaging where needed. For acute fractures, plain X-rays are sufficient in most cases and can be arranged on the same day. You will not be sent away without a diagnosis or treatment plan.