Your Dedicated Fracture Specialist Near You
Fracture Care in Buffalo, NY
A broken bone is a sudden, disruptive event. Whether it’s a slip on the ice, a sports collision, or an accident at work, the sharp pain and immediate loss of function can be overwhelming. In that moment of panic, your first instinct might be to rush to a crowded emergency room. However, receiving specialized fracture care from an expert orthopedist often leads to better long-term healing and a smoother recovery process. You need a doctor who doesn't just "set it and forget it," but one who meticulously guides your bones back to health.
At Buffalo Orthopedics, Dr. Parentis offers a superior alternative to the impersonal care often found in large hospital systems. With over 25 years of experience and double fellowship training in sports medicine and foot/ankle surgery, he possesses the precise skills needed for expert fracture treatment. Ours is a solo practice with a friendly atmosphere where everybody knows your name. You won't be handed off to a resident or physician assistant; you will see Dr. Parentis himself at most appointments. We are currently accepting new patients, including Workers' Compensation and No-Fault cases, ensuring you get the specialized attention you deserve right when you need it.
If you are looking for an orthopedic specialist who combines advanced surgical skill with old-school, personalized care, look no further. Contact Buffalo Orthopedics today to schedule your consultation and ensure your injury heals correctly.
What is Fracture Care and How Does it Work?
Fracture care encompasses the comprehensive management of a broken bone, from the initial diagnosis to the final stages of rehabilitation. A fracture occurs when a force exerted on a bone is stronger than the bone itself, causing it to crack or break. The goal of care is to align the broken pieces and hold them steady so they can knit back together properly.
The process begins with an accurate diagnosis. At Buffalo Orthopedics, Dr. Parentis utilizes on-site imaging to assess the severity and location of the break. Treatment then focuses on immobilization. For simple breaks, this might involve a cast, splint, or boot. For more complex injuries, surgical intervention may be required to realign the bones using pins, plates, or screws. Throughout the healing process, Dr. Parentis monitors your progress to ensure the bone is uniting correctly and that complications, such as stiffness or malalignment, are avoided.
How Do I Schedule an Appointment?
We understand that fractures are urgent. Buffalo Orthopedics strives to accommodate acute injuries quickly. We are currently accepting new patients and are equipped to handle the paperwork for Workers' Compensation claims. You don't need to suffer in a waiting room; call our office to speak with our friendly, local staff who will help you see Dr. Parentis as soon as possible. If you are worried about fracture treatment cost or insurance coverage, our staff can help answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fracture Care
What Does Fracture Care Treat or Help With?
Fracture care is designed to treat broken bones anywhere in the musculoskeletal system, though Dr. Parentis has specific expertise in extremities like the foot, ankle, knee, and shoulder. Effective treatment helps manage the immediate pain and prevents long-term disability.
Common bone fracture symptoms include:
- Intense Pain: Usually worsening with movement or pressure.
- Swelling and Bruising: Rapid inflammation around the injury site.
- Deformity: The limb may look crooked or out of place.
- Inability to Move: Loss of function in the injured area.
Proper bone fracture treatment addresses these symptoms by stabilizing the injury. This not only relieves pain but also ensures that the limb regains its full strength and range of motion. Dr. Parentis treats various types of fracture, including stress fractures (hairline cracks), comminuted fractures (bone shattered into pieces), and compound fractures (bone piercing the skin), providing tailored care for each specific scenario.
What Happens During a Fracture Care Appointment?
Your appointment at Buffalo Orthopedics will most likely begin with a consultation with Dr. Parentis, who will start by listening to how the injury happened and assessing your pain levels.
He will perform a careful physical examination to check for stability, nerve function, and blood flow. X-rays are typically taken immediately to visualize the break. If the fracture is complex, he may order a CT scan or MRI for a more detailed view. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, Dr. Parentis will explain your options for fracture treatment. If a cast is needed, it can be applied right then and there. If surgery is required, he will walk you through the procedure and get it scheduled promptly. This streamlined approach ensures you leave the office with a clear plan for your recovery.
Is Fracture Treatment Safe?
Fracture treatment, whether non-surgical or surgical, is generally very safe, especially when managed by an experienced specialist. Dr. Parentis’s double fellowship training ensures that he has a deep understanding of bone healing and biomechanics, which minimizes the risk of complications.
However, all medical treatments carry some risk. With casting, issues can include stiffness or skin irritation. With surgery, risks include infection, nerve injury, or issues with hardware. Dr. Parentis mitigates these risks through meticulous surgical technique and close post-operative monitoring. He will discuss all potential risks with you during your consultation, ensuring you are comfortable with the treatment plan. His goal is to provide safe, effective care that restores your function as quickly as possible.
How is Fracture Care Different from Other Treatment Options?
When you break a bone, you essentially have two main avenues for care: a general emergency room/urgent care or a dedicated orthopedic specialist. Emergency rooms are vital for life-threatening situations, but for isolated fractures, they often involve long wait times and generalist care. You may be splinted and told to find a specialist later, delaying definitive treatment.
Searching for "fracture care near me" and choosing a specialist like Dr. Parentis offers a distinct advantage. You receive expert diagnosis and definitive treatment from day one. There is no "middleman." Furthermore, Dr. Parentis offers continuity of care. The doctor who sets your bone or performs your surgery is the same doctor who checks your X-rays weeks later and guides your return to sports or work. This personal oversight is crucial for catching potential issues early and ensuring optimal healing.
How Long Does Recovery Take After a Fracture?
Recovery time for a fracture varies significantly depending on the bone involved, the severity of the break, and your overall health. In general, bones take about 6 to 8 weeks to heal. During this time, you will likely need to immobilize the area with a cast, boot, or brace.
Dr. Parentis will provide a personalized recovery timeline. After the initial immobilization phase, physical therapy is often necessary to restore strength and range of motion to the atrophied muscles and stiff joints. Simple fractures may allow for a return to normal activities in a few months, while complex fractures requiring surgery may take longer—up to a year for complete remodeling and full strength.