Fracture and Trauma Care in Margao, Goa

A fall, road accident or sudden injury can leave you with severe pain, swelling and difficulty moving or putting weight on an injured limb. Even when the injury looks relatively minor, a fracture may not always be obvious without an appropriate assessment. At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic in Margao, Dr. Amol Narkhede, a senior orthopaedic surgeon with over 16 years of experience, evaluates fractures and other orthopaedic injuries to determine the extent of the damage and discuss the appropriate treatment. His experience includes more than 2,000 trauma surgeries, giving patients access to an orthopaedic surgeon with substantial experience in managing bone injuries.

A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. It can occur after a fall, road accident, sports injury or direct impact. Some fractures cause obvious deformity, while others produce pain and swelling without a visible change in the shape of the injured area.

You should seek an orthopaedic assessment if you experience:

• Pain following a fall, accident or direct impact.
• Swelling or bruising around an injured bone or joint.
• Difficulty moving an arm, wrist, leg, ankle or another injured area.
• Pain when standing, walking or putting weight on an injured leg.
• Tenderness over a particular bone.
• An injury that remains painful despite initial rest.
• A suspected fracture identified on an X-ray or other investigation.
• Persistent pain after an injury that was initially thought to be a sprain.

Not every injury is a fracture, and not every fracture requires surgery. The location of the break, whether the bone has moved out of position, the condition of the surrounding tissues and your overall health all influence treatment.

Important: If you have sustained a major accident, have heavy bleeding, an open wound with a suspected fracture, an obvious deformity, a cold or discoloured limb, or new numbness, seek emergency medical care immediately. Do not delay emergency treatment to arrange a routine clinic appointment.

Fractures vary considerably in severity. Understanding the type of injury helps explain why one patient may need a cast while another requires an operation.

Closed and open fractures

A closed fracture occurs when the bone breaks but the surrounding skin remains intact. Pain, swelling, bruising and restricted movement may occur even when there is no visible deformity.

An open fracture occurs when a wound communicates with the fracture, sometimes with bone visible through the skin. These injuries carry a significant risk of infection and require urgent hospital treatment.

Displaced and non-displaced fractures

In a non-displaced fracture, the broken bone fragments remain reasonably aligned. Depending on the bone involved and the stability of the fracture, treatment may involve a cast, splint or brace.

A displaced fracture occurs when the broken fragments move out of their normal alignment. Some displaced fractures need to be repositioned, while others require surgery to restore and maintain alignment.

Fractures involving joints

Some fractures extend into a joint, affecting the surfaces that allow the bones to move against one another. These injuries may require particularly careful assessment because joint alignment and stability can influence long-term movement and function.

Treatment depends on the location and complexity of the fracture, the amount of displacement and the condition of the surrounding structures.

Stress fractures

A stress fracture is a small crack or bone injury that develops from repeated loading rather than one major accident. It can occur in people who participate in repetitive high-impact activities or suddenly increase their activity levels.

Symptoms often include pain that develops during activity and may worsen if the affected bone continues to be overloaded. Early stress fractures may not always be visible on an initial X-ray, so further assessment may sometimes be needed.

Common signs of a fracture

Patients often notice:

• Pain that increases when moving or using the injured area.
• Swelling and tenderness around the injury.
• Bruising that develops over time.
• Difficulty bearing weight or using the affected limb.
• A change in the shape or position of the injured area.
• Reduced movement because of pain.
• Numbness, tingling or changes in skin colour, which may indicate a more urgent problem.

Symptoms alone cannot reliably establish whether a bone is broken. An appropriate clinical assessment and imaging are often necessary.

At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic, the assessment focuses on understanding how the injury occurred, identifying the structures involved and determining what treatment is needed.

Dr. Amol Narkhede takes time to listen to the patient’s account of the injury and ask questions about the location of pain, swelling, movement and any previous treatment. The questions and examination vary according to the affected area and the suspected injury.

For example, an injury to the wrist requires a different assessment from a fracture around the knee, ankle, hip or shoulder.

Clinical examination

Where it is safe to do so, the examination may include assessing swelling, tenderness, movement and the condition of the surrounding tissues. The doctor may also evaluate circulation, sensation and movement in the affected hand, fingers, foot or toes.

If a serious fracture is suspected, the priority is appropriate stabilisation and urgent hospital care rather than unnecessary movement or a prolonged outpatient examination.

Digital X-ray assessment

X-rays are commonly used to identify fractures, establish their location and assess the alignment of the bone fragments.

Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic has digital radiography X-ray facilities on the same floor as the consultation rooms. When an X-ray is appropriate and the patient is suitable for assessment at the clinic, imaging can be obtained at the same location rather than requiring a separate trip to an imaging centre.

If you already have relevant X-rays or reports, bring them to the consultation. Dr. Narkhede can review the available images alongside the clinical findings and explain what they show.

Some complex injuries require additional imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI. These investigations may be arranged when necessary, depending on the fracture and the clinical findings.

Understanding the treatment plan

Once the available findings have been reviewed, Dr. Narkhede explains the nature of the injury and the options that may be appropriate.

This may involve immobilisation, further investigation, fracture reduction or surgical fixation. The plan depends on whether the bone is stable, whether its alignment is acceptable and whether the injury involves a joint or surrounding soft tissues.

Fracture treatment is selected according to the type of break, its location, the alignment of the bone and the patient’s individual circumstances. The objective is to allow the bone to heal in an appropriate position while protecting the surrounding tissues and helping the patient regain function.

Splint, cast or brace

Many fractures can heal without surgery when the bone remains stable or can be maintained in a suitable position.

A splint, cast or brace restricts movement around the fracture while healing takes place. The type of immobilisation and the duration of use depend on the bone involved and the stability of the injury.

Casts are not applied at the Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic clinic. If your fracture needs one, Dr. Amol Narkhede will explain where it will be done.

Follow-up assessments and X-rays may be needed to ensure that the bone remains properly aligned as it heals.

Fracture reduction

Some fractures require the bone fragments to be repositioned. This is known as fracture reduction.

Depending on the injury, reduction may be performed without an operation or as part of a surgical procedure. Pain management, the degree of displacement and the stability of the fracture influence the approach.

Once the bone has been repositioned, a cast, brace or other form of fixation may be used to maintain alignment.

Surgical fracture fixation

Surgery may be recommended when a fracture is significantly displaced, unstable, involves certain joint surfaces or cannot be maintained in a satisfactory position without fixation.

Depending on the injury, the surgeon may use plates, screws, rods, pins or other fixation devices to hold the bone fragments in alignment while healing occurs.

Some fractures require an open operation, while others may be managed using less extensive surgical approaches. The appropriate technique depends on the fracture pattern, surrounding tissues and the patient’s overall condition.

Open fractures and injuries involving significant soft-tissue damage may require urgent specialist hospital management.

External fixation

In selected complex injuries, a frame outside the body may be used to stabilise the broken bone. External fixation can be useful when the surrounding soft tissues are badly damaged or when the fracture requires staged treatment.

Whether this approach is appropriate depends on the injury and the surgical plan.

Treatment of stress fractures

Some stress fractures improve with reduced loading, activity modification and appropriate support. Others, particularly those in higher-risk locations or those that fail to heal, may require more intensive treatment or surgery.

The patient should not resume the activity that caused the injury until the treating clinician has provided appropriate guidance.

Fracture recovery involves more than waiting for pain to disappear. The bone needs time to heal, and the surrounding muscles and joints may also need attention after a period of restricted movement.

How long does a fracture take to heal?

Healing time varies according to the bone involved, the severity of the fracture, the patient’s age, general health and whether complications occur.

Some uncomplicated fractures heal within several weeks, while more complex injuries may take several months or longer. Pain can improve before the bone is strong enough to tolerate normal activity, so symptom improvement alone does not establish that healing is complete.

Follow-up and repeat imaging

Follow-up appointments allow the doctor to assess symptoms, examine the injured area and review healing where appropriate.

Repeat X-rays may be recommended to check whether the bone remains aligned and is progressing towards healing. The timing of these assessments depends on the fracture and the treatment used.

Returning to normal movement

After immobilisation, the affected area may feel stiff or weak. Depending on the injury, rehabilitation may include exercises to restore joint movement, muscle strength, balance and everyday function.

At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic, Dr. Rucha Narkhede provides physiotherapy independently at the same clinic. If physiotherapy is suitable for your injury and consistent with the orthopaedic treatment plan, you can enquire about rehabilitation at the same location.

Not every fracture needs the same exercise programme. Rehabilitation must respect the healing stage and any restrictions on movement or weight-bearing.

What can affect fracture healing?

Healing may be influenced by the severity of the injury, blood supply to the bone, damage to surrounding tissues, infection, certain medical conditions, smoking and whether the fracture is protected appropriately.

Follow the treating clinician’s advice about weight-bearing, immobilisation, wound care and returning to work or exercise. Do not remove a cast, change a brace or resume demanding activity without appropriate guidance.

Suspected fractures should be assessed promptly, but some injuries require emergency treatment rather than a routine appointment.

Seek emergency medical care if:

• Bone is visible through a wound or the skin is broken over a suspected fracture.
• There is heavy or uncontrolled bleeding.
• The limb is visibly deformed after an injury.
• Fingers or toes become cold, blue, pale or unusually numb.
• There is a major road accident, a high-impact fall or another significant injury.
• You suspect an injury to the head, neck or spine.
• Pain or swelling is severe or rapidly worsening after an injury.

Do not attempt to straighten the bone or push exposed bone back into the wound. Avoid unnecessary movement and follow emergency medical guidance.

If you have already received emergency treatment or have a confirmed fracture that requires orthopaedic review, follow the discharge instructions and arrange the recommended follow-up.

For less severe injuries, persistent pain, swelling or difficulty using the affected limb should still be assessed rather than dismissed as a simple sprain.

An accident can result in more than a fracture. Damage to joints, ligaments, tendons and surrounding soft tissues may also affect how you move and recover. At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic in Margao, Dr. Amol Narkhede, MBBS, MS Orthopaedics, Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon, evaluates musculoskeletal injuries following road accidents, falls and other traumatic events. The aim is to identify the nature of the injury, explain the available treatment options and plan the next steps towards recovery.

When Should You Seek Trauma and Accident Care?

An injury following an accident may appear minor initially, even when deeper structures have been damaged. Pain, swelling, bruising or difficulty moving a limb can indicate an injury that needs medical assessment.

An orthopaedic evaluation may be appropriate if you experience:

• Pain or swelling following a road accident, fall or direct impact.
• Suspected fractures or difficulty putting weight on an injured leg.
• A joint that appears out of position or has become difficult to move.
• Knee instability or a feeling that the joint may give way after an injury.
• Persistent pain around the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee or ankle.
• Difficulty using an arm or walking normally after an accident.
• Injuries involving ligaments, tendons or other structures around a joint.
• Persistent symptoms following an injury that was treated previously.
• Pain or restricted movement that continues after the initial injury appears to have healed.

The severity of the pain alone does not reliably indicate how serious an injury is. Some fractures and soft-tissue injuries can occur without dramatic external signs.

Important: Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic is an outpatient orthopaedic clinic, not a substitute for emergency trauma services. After a major accident, suspected spinal injury, head injury, severe bleeding, an open fracture or a limb that becomes cold, pale or numb, seek emergency hospital care immediately. Do not delay emergency treatment to arrange a routine clinic consultation.

Types of Injuries Following Accidents

Traumatic injuries can affect bones, joints and the soft tissues that support movement. Identifying the structures involved helps determine the appropriate treatment.

Fractures and broken bones

A fracture occurs when a bone breaks following an impact, fall or other force. Some fractures remain relatively stable, while others involve displacement, multiple fragments or damage to the surrounding tissues.

Symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness and difficulty using the affected limb. A visible deformity may occur, but its absence does not rule out a fracture.

Treatment depends on the location and pattern of the fracture, its stability and the patient’s overall condition. Some fractures can be managed with immobilisation, while others require surgical treatment.

Joint dislocations

A dislocation occurs when the bones forming a joint move out of their normal alignment. The shoulder, elbow and other joints can become dislocated following falls, sports injuries or direct trauma.

A dislocation may cause severe pain, swelling and an inability to move the joint normally. It requires prompt medical assessment. Do not attempt to force a dislocated joint back into position yourself.

Ligament and tendon injuries

Ligaments connect bones and help stabilise joints, while tendons connect muscles to bones and help produce movement.

An accident may stretch or tear these structures. Patients may experience swelling, instability, weakness, pain during movement or difficulty bearing weight.

Significant knee injuries, for example, may involve the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or meniscus. Depending on the injury, treatment may involve rehabilitation or surgery.

Muscle and soft-tissue injuries

Bruising, muscle strains and damage to surrounding soft tissues can occur following direct impact or sudden movement.

These injuries may cause tenderness, swelling, stiffness and discomfort when using the affected area. Some improve with appropriate conservative care, while more significant injuries need further investigation.

Multiple injuries following an accident

A serious accident can cause several injuries at the same time. A patient may have a fracture alongside ligament damage or soft-tissue injury.

In such cases, it is important to assess the overall injury pattern rather than focus exclusively on the most painful area. Patients with possible injuries to the head, neck, spine, chest or abdomen require appropriate emergency hospital assessment.

Complications after an earlier injury

Some patients seek an orthopaedic opinion because pain, stiffness or restricted movement continues after the initial injury has been treated.

Depending on the circumstances, further assessment may be needed to evaluate bone healing, joint alignment, stiffness, instability or other post-traumatic problems.

How Dr. Amol Narkhede Evaluates Traumatic Injuries

The assessment depends on the type of accident, the affected body part and the patient’s symptoms. Dr. Amol Narkhede’s experience in orthopaedic trauma helps inform the evaluation of injuries involving bones, joints and supporting structures.

Understanding how the injury occurred

The consultation begins with a discussion of the accident and the symptoms that followed.

The doctor may ask how the injury happened, where the pain is located, whether swelling developed immediately and whether the patient can move or bear weight on the affected limb. Previous injuries, treatment and relevant medical history may also be considered.

Physical examination

Depending on the injury and the patient’s condition, the examination may assess tenderness, swelling, joint movement, stability, muscle function and sensation.

The examination is adapted to avoid unnecessary movement of a potentially unstable injury. Suspected fractures, dislocations and serious injuries must be handled carefully.

Digital X-ray facilities

Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic has digital radiography X-ray facilities on the same floor as the consultation rooms.

When clinically indicated, X-rays can help identify fractures, assess bone alignment and evaluate certain joint injuries. Patients can also bring existing imaging and reports for review.

However, X-rays do not show every ligament, tendon or cartilage injury. Additional imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, may be required depending on the suspected injury and whether the results will influence treatment.

Explaining the findings and next steps

Once the relevant findings are available, Dr. Narkhede explains the likely diagnosis and discusses the available options.

These may include immobilisation, medication, further investigation, rehabilitation or surgery, depending on the injury.

For serious injuries, initial emergency stabilisation and hospital treatment take priority. An outpatient consultation is appropriate when the patient’s condition and the stage of treatment make it suitable.

Trauma Treatment Options

There is no single treatment for all accident-related injuries. The appropriate approach depends on the injury, its severity, the affected structures and the patient’s overall health.

Immobilisation and fracture management

Selected stable fractures can be treated with a cast, splint, brace or other form of support to protect the injured area while healing takes place.

Follow-up assessments help monitor healing and identify problems such as persistent pain, displacement or restricted movement. More complex fractures may require surgical stabilisation.

Surgical fracture fixation

When a fracture is displaced, unstable or otherwise unsuitable for conservative treatment, surgery may be recommended.

Depending on the fracture, the surgeon may use plates, screws, rods or other fixation devices to hold the bone in an appropriate position while it heals.

The decision depends on the fracture pattern, surrounding tissue damage and the patient’s individual circumstances. The benefits, risks and expected recovery should be discussed before surgery.

Treatment of ligament and joint injuries

Some ligament injuries can improve with appropriate rehabilitation, strengthening and activity modification. More significant injuries, particularly those causing persistent joint instability, may require surgical evaluation.

For selected knee injuries, arthroscopy may be used to examine and treat damage within the joint. The procedure and recovery depend on the specific structures involved.

Medication and pain management

Medication may help manage pain and inflammation during recovery. The choice depends on the injury, the patient’s medical history and any other medicines they take.

Pain relief should be used according to medical advice. Severe or increasing pain following an injury warrants reassessment rather than simply increasing medication.

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation

Rehabilitation can help restore movement, strength, balance and function after many orthopaedic injuries.

The timing and exercises depend on the injury and its stability. Starting certain movements too early can be harmful, so rehabilitation should follow the treating doctor’s recommendations.

At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic, Dr. Rucha Narkhede practises physiotherapy independently at the same clinic. Patients can enquire about physiotherapy when it forms part of their treatment plan.

Follow-up after trauma surgery

After an operation, follow-up may involve reviewing wound healing, monitoring bone or tissue recovery, assessing movement and progressing rehabilitation.

The hospital and surgeon responsible for the procedure should establish the postoperative plan. Patients should follow their specific instructions concerning weight-bearing, wound care, medicines and return to everyday activities.

When Should You Seek Emergency Care?

Accident-related injuries require different levels of care. Recognising an emergency is particularly important because some injuries can threaten a person’s life or limb.

Go to an emergency department or call emergency services if there is:

• Severe bleeding or an open fracture.
• A visibly deformed limb following an accident.
• A limb that becomes cold, pale, numb or unusually weak.
• Suspected injury to the head, neck or spine.
• Loss of consciousness, confusion or repeated vomiting after a head injury.
• Severe pain or rapidly increasing swelling.
• Difficulty breathing, chest pain or severe abdominal pain after trauma.
• A suspected dislocation or fracture accompanied by significant deformity or impaired circulation.

Do not attempt to straighten a deformed limb or force a joint into position. Keep the injured area as still as possible while emergency assistance is arranged.

For less severe injuries, an orthopaedic consultation may be suitable when the patient is stable. Persistent pain, swelling, difficulty bearing weight or restricted movement after an accident should not be ignored simply because the injury initially appeared minor.

For a non-emergency injury or an appropriate follow-up consultation, contact Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic by phone or WhatsApp to enquire about seeing Dr. Amol Narkhede.

During the consultation, he listens to your concerns, asks questions about how the injury occurred and examines the affected area as appropriate. If an X-ray is needed and the patient is suitable for assessment at the clinic, digital radiography facilities are available on the same floor.

Dr. Narkhede reviews the findings, explains the suspected or confirmed fracture and discusses the treatment options. Depending on the injury, the next step may involve immobilisation, follow-up imaging, further investigation or referral for hospital-based treatment.

If surgery is required, the surgical facility, admission arrangements and follow-up plan should be confirmed directly with the clinic. The clinic’s on-site X-ray facility is not a substitute for emergency hospital care when an injury is severe.

During recovery, physiotherapy may be recommended when appropriate. Dr. Rucha Narkhede practises independently at the same clinic and can provide rehabilitation according to the treatment plan and the restrictions specified by the treating orthopaedic team.

Dr. Amol and Dr. Rucha generally practise during the clinic’s operating hours, subject to individual availability. Dr. Amol’s availability may vary when he is undertaking surgery, so contact the clinic before visiting for a planned consultation.