Expert Fracture Care Without the Wait
Fast, specialist treatment for sprains, strains and broken bones,
no hospital admission or private health insurance required.
Welcome to Noosa’s Fracture Clinic
Expert Care for Acute Injuries
The Balance Orthopaedics Fracture Clinic offers expert assessment and treatment for acute injuries, including fractures, sprains, strains, and other non-surgical limb injuries. Many minor fractures can be managed without hospital admission or surgery, and our clinic provides a faster, more convenient alternative to waiting in a public outpatient department.
Faster, More Convenient Than Hospital Waiting Rooms
Our experienced medical team specialises in managing fractures and broken bones with a focus on non-surgical treatments. Using modern options like waterproof casts, splints, and advanced bracing products, we deliver tailored care to help you recover comfortably and effectively. All care is overseen by a senior orthopaedic consultant, ensuring expert guidance from start to finish.
Injuries we cannot treat
- Back, Neck & Head Injuries
- Facial, Nose & Jaw Injuries
- Major Accidents & Trauma Injuries
- Open Wounds & Excessive Bleeding
Noosa Heads Clinic Location
Suite 4
Noosa Central
6 Bottlebrush Ave
Noosa Heads QLD 4567
No Private Health Insurance Required
Please note you DO NOT REQUIRE PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE to attend our fracture clinic. If you have private health insurance with extras cover and purchase an orthopaedic device, you may be able to claim this through your private health insurance.
Referrals Welcome but Not Essential
Referrals welcome from GPs and Emergency Departments. Although a referral is not essential , it may provide important information to our team about your injury and health condition.
What to Expect at Your Noosa Fracture Clinic Visit
Initial assessment by a qualified doctor
Your visit begins with a thorough consultation and physical examination by an experienced doctor who specialises in musculoskeletal injuries. They will assess your condition, review your symptoms, and discuss any previous treatments or concerns.
Review of X-rays or imaging to confirm fracture type and healing progress
If you’ve had X-rays or other imaging completed, our team will carefully review these to confirm the type of fracture or injury and assess how well it’s healing. If imaging hasn’t been done yet, we can help arrange it as part of your care plan.
Cast or splint adjustments if needed
Our clinic uses modern casting and splinting techniques. If you already have a cast or splint, we’ll check to ensure it’s fitting correctly and providing optimal support. Adjustments or replacements may be made to maximise comfort and healing.
Surgical consultation, if required
While many fractures can be treated without surgery, some complex cases may benefit from a surgical opinion. If needed, you’ll be referred to our senior orthopaedic consultant for further evaluation and treatment planning.
Return-to-work and activity guidance
We’ll offer clear advice on when and how you can safely return to work, sports, or other activities. Our goal is to support your recovery while helping you get back to your regular routine as safely and quickly as possible.
Physiotherapy referrals for rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a key part of recovery. Where appropriate, we provide referrals to trusted local physiotherapists who can guide you through exercises and treatments to restore strength, movement, and function.
Acute Fractures & dislocations
The elbow is a hinge joint made up of 3 bones – humerus, radius and ulna. The bones are held together by ligaments to provide stability to the joint. Muscles and tendons move the bones around each other and help in performing various activities. Elbow dislocation occurs when the bones that make up the joint are forced out of alignment.
Causes of elbow dislocation
Elbow dislocations usually occur when a person falls onto an outstretched hand. Elbow dislocations can also occur from any traumatic injury such as motor vehicle accidents. When the elbow is dislocated, you may have severe pain, swelling and lack of the ability to bend your arm. Sometimes, you cannot feel your hand or may have no pulse in your wrist because arteries and nerves running along your elbow may be injured.
Diagnosis of elbow dislocation
To diagnose elbow dislocation, your doctor will examine your arm. Your doctor will check the pulses at the wrist and evaluate the circulation to the arm. An X-ray is necessary to determine if there is a break in the bone. An arteriogram, an X-ray of your artery can be helpful to know if the artery is injured.
Treatment of elbow dislocation
An elbow dislocation is a serious injury and therefore requires immediate medical attention. At home, you may apply an ice pack to the elbow to ease pain and swelling. However, it is important to visit your doctor for help. You can also check if the arteries and nerves are injured or remain intact. You can feel your pulse by pressing the tips of your fingers to the base of your wrist. They should turn white or blanch and a pink colour should come back in 3 seconds.
To check for nerves, first bend your wrist up and move your fingers apart and then touch your thumb to your little finger. You can also check for numbness all over your hand and arm. If you have problem with any of these tests you need to see your doctor right away.
You doctor will put your dislocated elbow back in place by pulling down your wrist and levering your elbow. This procedure is known as reduction. As it is a painful procedure, you may be given medications in the beginning, to relieve your pain. After the reduction, you may have to wear a splint to immobilise your arm at the elbow. After few days, you may also need to do gentle motion exercises to improve range of motion and strength.
Prevention of elbow dislocation
Elbow dislocations may be prevented if you avoid falling on an outstretched arm or avoid situations that may cause falls, such as walking at night or walking on slippery floors.
Understanding Fractures
A fracture is a break or crack in a bone, usually caused by trauma, overuse, or certain health conditions that weaken the bone. Most fractures are treated non-surgically, but some may require surgery, especially if bones are significantly misaligned or involve joints.
Most common types of bone fractures:
Transverse Fracture
A straight break across the bone.
Oblique Fracture
A diagonal break across the bone.
Greenstick Fracture
A partial break where one side of the bone bends; common in children.
Comminuted Fracture
Hairline (Stress) Fracture
A small, thin crack often caused by repetitive stress.
Spiral Fracture
Compression Fracture
Bone collapses under pressure, often seen in the spine.
Avulsion Fracture
Pathological Fracture
Impacted Fracture
Need Help or Have Questions?
Our team is here to support your recovery. Contact us at 5346 8000 or [email protected] with any concerns or to reschedule appointments.
Clavicle (Collarbone) Fractures
Common causes
Falls, sports injuries, bike accidents
Symptoms
Pain over the collarbone, swelling, shoulder drooping, limited arm movement
Treatment
- Most are treated with a sling to immobilize the arm and allow healing.
- Pain control and gentle exercises are essential as healing progresses.
- Severe fractures with displacement may require surgery with plates and screws.
Recovery time: 6–12 weeks
Arm (Humerus) Fractures
Common causes
Falls on an outstretched arm, direct trauma
Symptoms
Upper arm pain, bruising, swelling, inability to lift the arm
Treatment
- Slings, braces, or splints for non-displaced fractures
- Surgical fixation for displaced or complex breaks
Recovery time: 6–12 weeks
Wrist (Distal Radius/Ulna) Fractures
Common causes
Falls onto an outstretched hand
Symptoms
Pain, swelling, deformity, limited wrist movement
Treatment
- Cast immobilization is common for simple fractures
- Surgery (plates, screws) may be required if the bone is misaligned
- Early motion is key after cast removal to regain function
Recovery time: 6–10 weeks
Hand & Finger Fractures
Common causes
Sports injuries, punching objects, crush injuries
Symptoms
Swelling, bruising, pain with movement, deformity
Treatment
- Buddy taping, splints, or casts for minor fractures
- Surgery may be needed for displaced fractures or those affecting joints
- Hand therapy is often required for fine motor recovery
Recovery time: 3–8 weeks
Leg (Femur or Tibia) Fractures
Common causes
High-energy trauma, falls, motor vehicle accidents
Symptoms
Severe pain, inability to walk or bear weight, swelling
Treatment
- Most femur and some tibia fractures require surgical fixation
- Casting or bracing may be used for stable tibial fractures
- Rehabilitation is crucial for walking and strength recovery
Recovery time: 8–16+ weeks depending on severity
Ankle Fractures
Common causes
Twisting injuries, falls, sports accidents
Symptoms
Swelling, bruising, inability to bear weight, deformity
Treatment
- Simple fractures: cast or boot for immobilization
- Unstable fractures: surgery with screws and plates
- Gradual return to walking and physiotherapy follow-up
Recovery time: 6–12 weeks
Foot Fractures
Common causes
Dropped objects, twisting injuries, overuse
Symptoms
Pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking
Treatment
- Rest, elevation, and a walking boot or cast for most fractures
- Surgery may be needed for complex or displaced fractures
- Weight-bearing varies by fracture location and healing progress
Recovery time: 4–10 weeks
Products
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