Multiple fractures occur when a person sustains fractures to two or more bones during the same traumatic event. Injuries may affect one limb, several limbs or different regions of the body and can vary considerably in severity. This guide explains how multiple fractures are assessed and treated, how rehabilitation is coordinated across different injuries and what may influence functional recovery.
Road traffic collisions, falls from height, workplace accidents, sporting trauma and severe falls
Pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, reduced movement and difficulty bearing weight or using affected limbs
Trauma assessment with X-rays and CT imaging as required; other investigations may identify associated injuries
Immobilisation, fracture reduction, surgical fixation, pain management and treatment of associated injuries
Coordinated physiotherapy, occupational therapy, mobility training, strengthening and functional rehabilitation
Often several months; complex injuries may require rehabilitation for 12 months or longer
Often several months; complex injuries may require rehabilitation for 12 months or longer
recovery from multiple fractures requires rehabilitation to consider the person as a whole rather than each fracture in isolation. Early multidisciplinary assessment, appropriate protection of healing bones and progressive restoration of mobility, strength and independence are central to achieving the best possible functional outcome.
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Stabilisation of injuries, pain management, prevention of complications and early rehabilitation assessment
Protected mobilisation, maintenance of movement and strength where safe, transfers and increasing independence
Progressive movement and weight-bearing as fractures permit, strengthening and functional retraining
Increasing mobility, endurance and independence; phased return to work and wider activities where appropriate
Continued strengthening, conditioning and management of residual stiffness, pain or functional limitations
Further improvement may continue after severe injuries; persistent limitations may require specialist rehabilitation or reassessment
Recovery varies considerably according to the number, location and complexity of the fractures and any associated injuries.
Multiple fractures is also commonly referred to as multiple broken bones, multiple bone fractures, multiple traumatic fractures, multiple skeletal injuries or multiple orthopaedic injuries.
Bone healing commonly takes several weeks, but functional recovery from multiple fractures often continues for many months. Severe or complicated injuries may require rehabilitation for a year or longer.
Physiotherapy is frequently important because reduced mobility and immobilisation can cause stiffness, weakness and loss of endurance. The programme should reflect the combined restrictions and rehabilitation needs created by all the fractures.
This depends particularly on whether the pelvis or lower limbs are involved and when weight-bearing can safely progress. Walking may initially require aids, followed by progressive strengthening, balance work and gait rehabilitation.
Return depends on the fractures, treatment, mobility and physical requirements of the job. Some people can return initially to modified or sedentary duties, while physically demanding occupations may require a longer, phased return.
Driving should resume only when you can safely control the vehicle, perform an emergency manoeuvre and are no longer restricted by treatment or medication that affects driving. Advice from the treating team and insurer may also be necessary.
Significant trauma, surgery, reduced activity, pain and disturbed sleep can all contribute to fatigue. Endurance usually improves progressively, but persistent or worsening fatigue should be discussed with the treating team.
Multiple fractures create a rehabilitation challenge because progress is determined by the interaction between injuries rather than by the healing of any single bone. A restriction affecting one limb can substantially alter how another injury is rehabilitated.
Effective recovery therefore depends on coordinated goal setting, clear weight-bearing and movement instructions and regular reassessment as restrictions change. Where progress plateaus, the priority is to identify the limiting factor—such as pain, stiffness, weakness, delayed healing, psychological difficulties or an overlooked complication—and adapt the rehabilitation plan accordingly.
For more detailed information about this injury, its treatment and recovery, download the full Medicess Rehabilitation Guide.
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Our clinical team will review your circumstances, help you understand options may be available and how we can support you.
Medicess works with solicitors, insurers and employers to provide rehabilitation case management support following serious injury.
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People interested in this injury also find the following related rehabilitation guides useful:
You may also wish to explore some of the organisations and publications that informed this guide.