Orthopedic Trauma Surgery
“Fractures” can happen to anyone at any age, but it is more common in infants and seniors. Fractures often result from unforeseen events like slips and falls, impact injuries, or assaults. Traffic accidents are a primary cause of fractures.
No matter how severe the fractures are, proper first aid and an immediate visit to an orthopedic trauma surgeon are necessary for timely treatment, recovery, and return to daily life.
An orthopedic trauma surgeon with expertise and hands-on experience in treating all types of fractures should manage the fractures. The surgeon will conduct a physical examination and history taking for diagnosis assisted by medical technology for a comprehensive trauma assessment and appropriate treatment plan. Modern medical advancements in fracture treatment and the skills and techniques of experienced orthopedic surgeons have become pivotal for swift recovery from fracture injuries.
What is the difference between orthopedic trauma and other orthopedic surgeons?
Orthopedic trauma surgeons are experts in the treatment of fractures and dislocations with non-surgical and surgical means. An advanced technique deployed by orthopedic trauma surgeons is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that facilitates rapid recovery time.
Collaboration with orthopedic surgeons in other fields for injuries to muscles, tendons, or nerves is necessary; sports medicine orthopedic surgeons are responsible for treating these injuries. In the case of hand, ankle, or spinal cord injuries, orthopedic trauma surgeons will collaborate with hand, foot & ankle, and spine surgeons.
For orthopedic trauma in children, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon joins an orthopedic trauma surgeon in the treatment process to ensure good bone development and return of physical movement for children.
Orthopedic trauma surgeons at MedPark Hospital are on hand to diagnose and treat patients with every type of fracture, including patients with fractures admitted through the Emergency Department at MedPark Hospital.
Orthopedic trauma surgeons at MedPark Hospital possess skills and expertise in treating severely complex fractures. An example includes a surgical procedure for a traffic accident patient with a 3-piece humerus fracture and a severe open wound. The patient received treatment with close follow-up until they could return to their daily routines and favorite activities.
Moreover, one of our orthopedic trauma surgeons has experience in performing revision surgery for a patient who has undergone over 20 surgical procedures for a severe bone infection. By the time the patient was under the care of MedPark Hospital's surgeon, the affected part of the bone was so damaged and severely infected that the part needed removal. The missing part of the bone regrows with a bone grafting technique. Although the approach requires a lengthy, drawn-out process, it removes the need for hospital stays, allowing patients to return to their daily routines and family.
Why should you choose MedPark Hospital's orthopedic trauma surgeons?
- Our orthopedic trauma surgeons are highly experienced in all forms of fractures ranging from minor to severe, high complexity fractures, or fractures with complications.
- MedPark Hospital is replete with orthopedic surgeons in wide-ranging subspecialties, including hand surgery, foot & ankle surgery, hip & knee surgery, sports medicine surgery, pediatric orthopedics, and soft tissue and bone tumors. They are experts in their respective areas and share a culture of working together as a team.
- Specialists and multidisciplinary medical staff from associated disciplines, such as vascular surgeons, anesthetists specializing in pain management, and physical therapists, work together as a team. They aim to facilitate a better quality of life for patients after treatment.
- The hospital is fully equipped with state-of-the-art medical technologies and tools, including hybrid operating rooms that support procedures requiring a multidisciplinary medical staff team and advanced interventions to enhance treatment efficacy.
- Designed to provide safe and conducive environments for recovery -- inpatient rooms offer a connection to nature through a large glass building facade, allowing access to sunlight and panoramic views of Lake Rachada, Benchakiti Park, and the bends of the Chao Phraya River. In addition, the Hospital's unique ventilation system continually supplies clean air to reduce the risk of infections.
- After treatment, patients will receive continuous care from a physical therapist team at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center. Rehabilitation programs aim to help patients return to their daily routines with a better quality of life.
Orthopedic trauma diseases and disorders
- Simple fractures
- Stress fractures.
- Spiral fractures
- Comminuted fractures
- Transverse fractures
- Oblique fractures
- Impacted fractures.
- Overriding fractures
- Hairline fractures
- Greenstick fractures
- Avulsion fractures
- Fractures and dislocations
- Open fractures
- Complex and severe fractures
- Fractures caused by bone cancer or osteoporosis and pathologic fractures.
- Fractures are accompanied by injuries to muscles, tendons, and soft tissues.
- Bones and joints malunion
- Fracture with complications.
Abnormal signs that require medical attention from an orthopedic trauma surgeon
Orthopedic trauma sustained from road traffic accidents, accidents at work, falls, or playing high-impact sports can lead to a fracture, hairline fracture, and dislocation of parts like an arm, a leg, a wrist, an ankle, a hip, and a pelvis. Once a trauma occurs, one should check for the following signs immediately.
4 signs of fractures
- Severe, level 9 to 10 pain
- Noticeable changes in the affected area, including sudden swelling and darkening of the skin, indicate subcutaneous bleeding.
- Inability to move or bear weight on the part of the body or pain when moving that part of the body.
- Deformity, break, bending, or asymmetry of the part of the body. One or two of the above symptoms can indicate a fracture is present.
One or two signs are sufficient to suspect that a fracture has occurred. Therefore, you should see an orthopedic trauma surgeon as soon as possible.
Who is at risk of developing orthopedic injuries?
Individuals of all ages, genders, or occupations can be at risk of orthopedic injuries. Apart from preventing orthopedic trauma by being cautious and creating a safe environment, a family with kids or seniors requires additional safeguards, such as guard rails for older adults, anti-slip floor mats on a slope, or stair gates. These safeguards help reduce the risk of trips & falls and fractures.
Procedures performed by orthopedic trauma surgeons
Orthopedic trauma surgeons make diagnoses and prescribe suitable surgeries for orthopedic trauma patients. Examples are:
- Non-surgical treatment: This technique utilizes immobilization through casts and splints. Several casts and splints, such as plaster, plastic, and fiberglass, are available. The choice will depend on each patient's lifestyle.
- Surgical treatment: Types of surgery for orthopedic trauma injuries include:
- External fixators
- Plates and screws
- Nails
- Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO): This is a common technique, utilizing a small incision for inserting instruments into the muscle layer for bone fixations. This technique is less painful and provides better fixation. It also reduces the risk of bone or soft tissue infection and helps patients recover faster when compared to ORIF.
Medical tools and instruments in orthopedic trauma surgery
Medical tools and instruments involved in orthopedic trauma procedures include:
- X-ray machines
- C-arm X-ray surgical lights: This equipment offers real-time intraoperative anatomical data and can capture images of the surgical area, improving the precision and effectiveness of fracture treatment
- Orthopedic instruments for fixation, such as plates and nails
Barriers to Orthopedic Trauma Surgery
- Bone and soft tissue infections
- Severely damaged bones
- Severe damage to tissues, soft tissues, and bone
- Severely damaged blood vessels
Potential risks and complications of orthopedic trauma interventions
- Osteomyelitis: This complication commonly is secondary to an open fracture, an injury where a fractured bone sticks out through the skin and contacts pathogens.
- Compartment syndrome: This complication can lead to insufficient blood flow and poor tissue oxygenation, causing tissue death and permanent damage to that part of the body.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take for fractures to heal?
Fractures take about 3 – 6 months to heal with maximal strength. - Do fractures in children heal faster than in adults?
Yes. Fractures in children take only around 3 – 4 weeks to heal.
