Fractures Specialist

Alta Orthopaedics

Orthopaedic Surgery, Pain Management & Sports Medicine Specialists located in Santa Barbara, Solvang, & Oxnard, CA

Fractures are notoriously painful and often disabling, but you can make a full recovery with expert treatment. If you have sustained a fracture, the Alta Orthopaedics team can help. With locations in Solvang, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Oxnard, California, their board-certified orthopaedic surgeons specialize in the operative and non-operative care of fractures. They perform surgeries to repair injuries such as clavicle and olecranon fractures. Call Alta Orthopaedics to find out more or use the online form to book an appointment.

Fractures Q & A

What are fractures?

Fractures are breaks in your bones. Some of the common types of fractures the Alta Orthopaedics team treats regularly include:

Clavicle fractures

A clavicle fracture (broken collarbone) at the top of your shoulder is a common injury, but with the right treatment, it usually heals completely, so you can resume your normal activities without any ongoing problems. Most clavicle fractures can be successfully treated without surgery, but occasionally surgery is necessary.

Your clavicle bone sits horizontally, connecting your shoulder and arm to your sternum (breastbone). Most clavicle fractures occur during a fall, and they're common injuries in athletes, especially cyclists.

Olecranon fracture

An olecranon fracture (broken elbow) is another common injury that usually heals completely with appropriate treatment. Your olecranon is a bone at the back of your elbow, forming the groove within which your elbow rotates.

The olecranon is a part of your ulna bone, one of the two main bones in your forearm. It is the attachment site of your triceps tendon and enables you to extend your elbow. Olecranon fractures typically occur after a direct impact to the back of your elbow. They are a common injury in athletes and frequently happen due to falls.

Ankle fractures

An ankle fracture is a common injury and comes in varied forms. Treated properly, patients can return to full activity without pain. Most ankle fractures are treated without surgery, using casts and boots, but occasionally surgery is necessary. Our team is adept at treating many different types of ankle fractures and will make sure that you receive the highest quality of treatment.

Distal radius fractures

A distal radius fracture (wrist fracture) is a common fracture seen after a fall onto an outstretched hand, especially in patients with low bone density. With appropriate treatment, patients with wrist fractures can return to full function and be relieved of their pain. Most distal radius fractures can be treated with casts and braces, but in those with multiple pieces, high energy, or significant displacement, surgery can be beneficial to fully restore motion and function. We at Alta Orthopaedics treat wrist fractures often and take into account the individual to devise the best treatment plan.

How are fractures treated?

The Alta Orthopaedics team usually begins treatment by getting a series of x-rays of the broken bone. This allows for careful assessment of the type of fracture, the alignment of the bones, and the location of the pieces. Sometimes a CT scan is necessary for further characterization. Once the imaging has been reviewed, in consultation with the patient, the best course of treatment is determined.

Most fractures are treated without surgery using boots, braces, slings, and casts. When the pieces are far apart or there is significant malalignment, surgery may be recommended. In those cases, the team at Alta Orthopaedics will make sure that you are well taken care of and receive the highest level of care. Surgery often involves the placement of metal hardware on the bone to hold the pieces in correct alignment while the bones heal.

For expert treatment of clavicle, olecranon, ankle, wrist, and other fractures, call Alta Orthopaedics today or book an appointment online.