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Orthopedic trauma is any severe injury to the bones, joints, and/or soft tissue that is caused by an external source. These injuries are often the result of a sudden incident, such as a car accident or fall, but not always. Trauma can also be caused by overuse – for example, running long distances is a common cause of tibial stress fractures and small hairline cracks in the lower leg.

The definition of orthopedic trauma is broad because it encompasses a spectrum of injuries, from simple hairline fractures to life-threatening accidents. Our department of Orthopaedics deals with dynamic patient problems with Musculoskeletal joints, tendons, and ligaments. We have medical specialties that are concerned with the preservation and restoration of the abilities and functionalities of the skeletal system and its related structures, i.e., spinal and other bones, joints, and muscles.

Types of Fractures & Traumatic Injuries

We treat fractures and traumatic injuries in all areas of the body, except for the spine, ribs, and hands.

Fractures can go in a straight line across the bone, spiral around the bone, or break into multiple pieces. Some require more complex care.

Malunion vs Nonunion Fractures

Malunion fractures are fractures that did not heal correctly, which doesn’t allow proper function or movement after the injury has healed. For example, a knee fracture that heals the wrong way will make it hard or painful to walk.

Nonunion fractures do not heal in the amount of time that would normally be expected for a specific injury. There are multiple reasons that a fracture might not heal and would be considered a nonunion fracture, including:

• infection,
• metabolic or endocrine (thyroid) issues, or
• fractures that were not fixed properly the first time.

Orthopedic Trauma & Fracture Treatment

We have several different methods for treating fractures and trauma. The specific treatment you need depends on how severe your injury is and other factors.

• Cast — We will make a cast out of plaster or fiberglass and wrap it around the injured area to keep it from moving while it heals.
• Brace — We will give you a removable hard cast that supports and protects your bones and joints from further injury.
• Splint — We will place a piece of hard plastic or fiberglass against the injured part of your body and wrap it with bandages to stabilize it so that it does not move. This is usually a temporary treatment to protect your injured limb until you get more permanent treatment, such as casting or surgery.
• Physical therapy — Not all fractures will need casting or surgery. Some can be treated with physical therapy. Our orthopedic surgeons and trauma specialists work closely with our physical therapists and refer patients for care.
• Surgery — Our surgeons perform operations to fix bones and joints when other non-surgical treatments are not adequate.

Our immensely skilled Orthopaedic Surgeons use both surgical and nonsurgical procedures to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.