Dr. Cole treats fractures, or broken bones, in Memphis. Many fractures heal with a cast or brace and monitoring, while some need a procedure to realign and hold the bone. Dr. Cole evaluates each fracture and guides both non-surgical and surgical care.

Labeled medical illustration of fractures broken bones — Fractures (Broken Bones)

First aid and imaging to confirm the fracture and its pattern. First aid and imaging to confirm the fracture and its pattern.
A cast, splint, or brace to hold a well-aligned bone while it heals. A cast, splint, or brace to hold a well-aligned bone while it heals.
Closed reduction, gently realigning the bone without an incision, when pieces have shifted. Closed reduction, gently realigning the bone without an incision, when pieces have shifted but can be set.
Activity changes and protected weight-bearing as guided. Activity changes and protected weight-bearing as guided.
Surgery to realign and secure the bone, when a fracture is unstable, badly displaced, or i. Surgery to realign and secure the bone, when a fracture is unstable, badly displaced, or involves a joint surface.

What is Fractures (Broken Bones)?

A fracture is a break in a bone.

It can be a thin crack or a complete break, and the bone pieces may stay lined up or shift out of place. Fractures happen from falls, sports, car crashes, and, in weaker bone, from lesser forces. Common signs are pain, swelling, bruising, and trouble using the injured part. A bone that looks bent or out of shape suggests the pieces have moved. Most fractures heal well when the bone is held in good position while it mends. Whether that needs a cast or a procedure depends on the bone, the pattern, and how far the pieces have shifted.

How is Fractures (Broken Bones) diagnosed, and what does the visit involve?

Dr. Cole examines the injured area for tenderness, swelling, and deformity, and checks nearby nerves and blood flow.

X-rays confirm most fractures and show the pattern. A computed tomography scan, called a CT, gives a detailed view when the fracture is complex or involves a joint.

What is recovery like for Fractures (Broken Bones)?

Healing time varies by bone and by person, often ranging from several weeks to a few months, according to general guidance from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

These are ranges, not promises. Simple fractures held in a cast are monitored with follow-up X-rays. Fractures that are unstable or involve a joint may need surgery to help the bone heal in good position.

Who treats fractures (broken bones) in Memphis?

Jeff Cole is a orthopedic surgeon who treats fractures (broken bones) in Memphis, TN. Fellowship trained at Washington University / Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Dr. Cole sees patients at the practice in Memphis; appointments can be requested through this site.

Common questions

How do I know if a bone is broken or just bruised?

Pain, swelling, and trouble using the part can happen with both. A bone that looks out of shape, or pain that does not settle, points toward a fracture. An X-ray gives the answer.

Do all fractures need surgery?

No. Many fractures heal with a cast or brace when the bone is well aligned. Surgery is used when a fracture is unstable, badly out of place, or involves a joint surface.

How long does a broken bone take to heal?

Healing often ranges from several weeks to a few months depending on the bone and the person, according to general guidance from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. This is a range, not a promise.

What is a closed reduction?

It is realigning a shifted bone without an incision, usually with steady pressure after numbing or sedation. The bone is then held in a cast or splint while it heals.

Educational information only. This page does not replace an examination or medical advice.

Reviewed by Jeff Cole

Orthopedics

Fellowship trained at Washington University / Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Sees patients in Memphis.

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Reviewed by the physician