A breakthrough for broken bones
Recovering from a bone fracture can be painful and disruptive — but it doesn’t have to be. At HCA HealthONE Swedish – a part of HCA HealthONE, patients are experiencing faster healing and less discomfort thanks to innovative approaches in orthopedic care. Dr. Steven Morgan, an orthopedic trauma specialist with HCA HealthONE, is using a cutting-edge “liquid nail” technique that helps repair fractures with less pain, fewer complications, and a quicker return to everyday life.
Traditionally, significant fractures in the arms, legs or pelvis are secured using a system of rigid metal bars, plates, and pins, but that type of restoration has limitations. Rigid devices must be properly aligned with the bone structure, and that’s not possible in certain fracture areas or with patients of advanced age, where bone density is a consideration.
“This new technology doesn’t need any of that,” Dr. Morgan said.
Changing fracture recovery
Instead of making a large incision for plates and pins, the surgeon inserts a balloon-like catheter through a small hole in the broken bone. Then the “liquid nail” solution is pushed into the catheter with a syringe, filling the space inside the fracture. A special blue light is then shined into the balloon, hardening the liquid to essentially create a cast inside the bone to allow the fracture to heal around it.
"The device offers a large surface area of contact and support, which means we’re not solely reliant on the quality of the bone. This stability significantly reduces the chances of early failure," Dr. Morgan said.
In fact, many patients can begin walking shortly after surgery, reducing dependency on assistive devices such as walkers.
"My patients who select this procedure can typically be walking immediately after their initial surgical pain subsides, and their normal daily activities can follow soon after,” Dr. Morgan said.
Patients are healing faster, hurting less
A recent femur fracture patient in her 90s with osteoporosis marveled at her results using the “liquid nail” procedure. In a post recovery interview, she said, “I was just amazed. I thought I was going to be in so much pain, but I didn’t have hardly any in my leg at all... It really helped with my recovery, not having to worry about that.”
A few short weeks after rehab, the patient was working in her garden again. Reflecting on her choice to use the “liquid nail,” she said, “I hope that if somebody has a fall like mine, they consider this procedure. I am just so thankful that I did it. I might still be sitting here [in my chair] doing nothing without it. I just feel that good about it.”
Dr. Morgan said this innovative technology is not only providing patients with a faster recovery, but better results. “Simply put, this procedure allows us to achieve better outcomes, compared to traditional methods, and get to recovery more quickly,” he said.
Orthopedic specialists in Denver
At HCA HealthONE, we know your life is constantly in motion. Our goal is to keep it that way. Through our integrated healthcare network, we are prepared to treat everything from light sprains and chronic joint pain to complex spinal conditions. Learn more about how we can help you catch the best moments in life.