Your musculoskeletal system, specifically the bones, joints, and soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments) that support and facilitate movement can get injured or get affected due to medical conditions. This situation is termed as ‘Orthopedic trauma’. Injuries to ligaments or muscles can be due to falls, slips, accidents, or sports-related incidents.
Patients visit Dr. Kristopher Downing La Jolla, at Upper Extremity Specialists Ortho 1 Group to get effective treatment. Some common examples of orthopedic trauma include:
- Fractures
- Dislocation
- Sprains and Strains
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Compartment Syndrome
- Open Fractures
Orthopedic trauma often requires prompt and specialized medical attention to assess and manage the injury appropriately. Treatment options in orthopedic trauma at La Jolla depend on the type and severity of the injury.
Treatment options
- Conservative Treatment: For less severe injuries, conservative (non-surgical) treatment may be sufficient. This approach often includes rest, immobilization with casts or braces, pain management, and physical therapy to aid in the healing process and restores function.
- Surgery: For more complex or severe fractures, joint dislocations, and ligament injuries surgery is recommended. There are various surgical techniques used in orthopedic trauma, including:
- Internal Fixation: Using metal plates, screws, rods, or wires to stabilize fractures and promote proper healing.
- External Fixation: Placing metal pins or screws outside the body to stabilize the bone fragments.
- Joint Reconstruction: Repairing or replacing damaged joint surfaces.
- Tendon or Ligament Repair: Surgical repair or reconstruction of torn tendons or ligaments.
- Bone Grafting: Transplanting bone from one part of the body to another to aid in healing.
- Joint Fusion: Fusing two bones together to stabilize a joint that has been damaged beyond repair.
- Pain Management: During the healing process, pain control is essential. You can get prescribed pain relievers and even pain management techniques are recommended.
- Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation: After orthopedic trauma rehabilitation plays a crucial role. It helps to restore function and range of motion after orthopedic trauma. The physical therapists work with you to increase strength, develop flexibility, and improve mobility.
- Orthotics and Assistive Devices: Braces, canes, and crutches are orthotic support devices that allow you to move around without aggravating the injured bones or ligament, during recovery.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, where specialized equipment is used to make small incisions to repair damages.
Your age, overall health, specific injury, and lifestyle will help to determine the treatment option. You need to work closely with the orthopedic team to receive an efficient ortho care for your condition.
