In many cases, people with comminuted fractures need surgery to help restructure the bone pieces so that they heal properly. Doctors may use screws, wires, pins, or metal plates to realign the bone. After the fracture heals, these pieces may be taken out or left in permanently.

Does comminuted fractures need surgery?

You might need to have surgery if you have a comminuted fracture. This will help put your broken bones back into place. Sometimes your doctor will use metal rods or pins, called internal or external fixation, to hold your bone fragments together while they heal. These might go inside or outside of your body.

Can comminuted fractures heal without surgery?

Someone with a comminuted fracture will probably need surgery. Then, he or she will need to wear a splint or cast for a while to keep the bone from moving while it heals.