[Principles of primary functional fracture treatment]

The main characteristic feature of primary functional treatment of fractures is that all parts of the affected segment of the locomotor apparatus are essentially functional again within a week after the trauma has been sustained, even without any internal splinting. Stable cancellous bone compression, fractures that are stabilized by a pronounced muscular sheath and certain fractures affecting the shafts of the long tubular bones are all indications for application of this method, providing there is no concomitant high-grade soft tissue damage. Adjuvant analgesia is an important basis of the therapy; others are exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist and the adaptation of supporting splints and cuffs. The primary functional treatment regimen has few complications, and when it is applied only in situations where it is genuinely indicated and is competently supervised, the clinical results are excellent.