Orthopedic medicine refers to the treatment of the musculoskeletal system, meaning any condition affecting the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and associated structures. Within the field of orthopedic medicine, some physicians choose to specialize in orthopedic trauma.
What is Orthopedic Trauma?
Defined by a severe injury to the bones, joints, or soft tissue (or combination) caused by an external force. In most instances these cases happen suddenly and are due to accidents, motor vehicle accidents, falls, violence, workplace injuries or sport related incidents.
How Can an Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon Help Me?
Orthopedic trauma experts are equipped to handle a range of injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system and due to the nature of trauma cases share strong working relationships with colleagues in the departments of Plastic Surgery and Neurosurgery.
It’s common for patients with a musculoskeletal condition to see a primary care physician initially who can suggest a doctor – such as an orthopedic surgeon – and then continue ongoing care after any necessary treatments are complete. With a combination of non-surgical and surgical techniques. Complete Injury Management helps individuals like you find the best treatment option for their individual needs.
Do You Need Orthopedic Trauma Surgery?
Complete Injury Management believes that surgery should always be a last resort, which is why we support an orthopedic approach to many common injuries. Unlike traditional surgeons, orthopedic surgeons use a combination of surgical and non-surgical treatments and will opt for a non-surgical approach when possible, to provide the highest quality results with the lowest possible side effect profile.
Some of the common non-surgical treatments include:
- Physical therapy
- Orthotics
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Arthroscopic debridement
- Cortisone injections
- Hyaluronic acid injections
Orthopedic surgery is only recommended when it is necessary to preserve or restore functionality in the spine or extremities. Some specific treatments that might require orthopedic surgery include:
- Bone and joint transplantation
- Bone grafting
- Minimally invasive surgery for broken bones & fractures
- Pelvis Surgery
- Spine disorders such as scoliosis or ruptured disc
- Upper extremity reconstruction
- Muscle, tendon, and ligament damage reconstruction
The most common type of orthopedic surgery is arthroscopy, typically on the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle, foot, or hip. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure on the joint using an arthroscope – which is an endoscope inserted through a small incision near the joint. Once inside, the surgeon can evaluate the joint and fix or replace any damaged cartilage if necessary. This procedure has obvious advantages over traditional surgery: the recovery time is much shorter, and it causes less trauma to the connective tissues in the joint.
Severe injuries and trauma are common causes of musculoskeletal conditions that may require orthopedic surgery. When trauma on a joint is too severe, arthroscopy may not be enough to repair the joint. In these cases, the surgeon may recommend arthroplasty; an orthopedic surgery used to replace, remodel, or realign part of the joint. This procedure is an elective surgery and a popular alternative to replacing the joint altogether.
Our affiliates are trained in the treatment of a variety of orthopedic conditions and perform several orthopedic procedures, including:
- Arthroscopic Surgery of the Knee & Shoulder
- Fracture Care
- Adult Orthopedic Care
- Pediatric Orthopedic Care
- Total Joint Replacement
- Orthopedic Sports Medicine
- Minimally Invasive Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Spinal Surgery
- Microdiscectomy Surgery
- Spinal Deformity Surgery
- Spinal Fracture Treatment
Orthopedic surgery is rapidly becoming more popular in recent years because it is generally less invasive than traditional surgery with less downtime. Complete Injury Management helps people who have been injured find a medical professional who can provide optimal care for their needs.
If a traumatic injury is keeping you from living a fulfilled life, find a specialty-trained orthopedic surgeon by requesting a consultation online or calling (866) 282-0229.