The Fracture Clinic provides patients that have fractures or suspected fractures access to orthopaedic surgeons for assessment, setting and casting, and consultation. It also serves patients who require joint replacement (knee and hip).
Appointments in the Fracture Clinic can only be made by a family doctor, nurse practitioner, a doctor in the Emergency Department, or another doctor such as from a walk-in clinic. Those patients who have had joint replacement surgery will have their follow-up appointments at the Fracture Clinic as well.
What to Expect
The doctor – usually an orthopaedic surgeon – will assess you including reviewing any diagnostic images (X-rays, CT scans, MRI, etc.) to determine whether or not a fracture has occurred and the extent of that break. If you do have a broken bone, you may get a cast from a orthopedic technologist. Some fractures, most notably ribs, cannot be casted. The doctor will go over all information about taking care of your broken bone, taking care of your cast, and other information as needed. Please take this opportunity to ask any of your questions as well at this time.
The doctor will also ask you to book follow-up appointments including an appointment for cast removal. These appointments should be made at the Fracture Clinic reception before your leave the Fracture Clinic. After your cast is removed, the doctor may also discuss possible rehabilitation.
If you are at the Fracture Clinic for a possible knee or hip replacement, the orthopaedic surgeon will discuss options for you during this time, including surgery.
As a result of high patient volume and other unforeseen circumstances, Fracture Clinic patients may experience higher wait times than may be expected.
If You Are Experiencing Symptoms After Casting…
Contact your primary care provider or go to the Emergency Department if you experience the following symptoms after you have a cast:
- Steady increasing or sudden severe pain in limb
- Persistent tingling or swelling of the fingers or toes
- Numbness, coldness, or blueness of the fingers or toes
- Steadily increasing tightness of the plaster, or the sensation of unstoppable swelling
