The Closed Treatment of Fractures

Conservative management can arguably be more challenging and labour intensive than many operative techniques. When resources are limited, non-operative treatments become the default method. Done well, the results can be very similar to those of operative management. Mastery of the arts of plaster craft and traction is of great value in achieving good outcomes for patients treated non-operatively. This chapter aims to provide an overview of how these methods can be used generally with a few specific examples. Multidisciplinary working, involving surgeons, nurses and physical and occupational therapists, is emphasised throughout.