Services
Full Spectrum of Orthopaedic Trauma
OVERVIEW
Orthopaedic trauma is a serious injury to the skeletal or muscular system, which may be caused by external forces like a fall or a motor vehicle accident. While this type of injury may not always be life-threatening, it may be life-changing; this is why it's essential that you seek medical attention immediately should you get an orthopaedic injury. Orthopaedic trauma encompasses a spectrum of injuries ranging from simple hairline fractures to life-threatening accidents.
There are several different types of orthopaedic trauma injuries; the main goal of orthopaedic surgeons is to help restore the function of the injured body part/s as quickly as possible. As an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr le Roux treats severe injuries to the bones, joints and soft tissues. He also helps treat chronic, lasting after-effects of traumatic injuries, which include:
- Infections
- Bone or joint conditions that result from fractures that didn’t heal in the correct alignment (malunions)
- Joint deformity from arthritis
- Fractures that didn’t heal (nonunion) or are delayed in healing
Serious accidents may cause multiple breaks, damage to the blood vessels, and tearing or rupturing of other tissues. These cases require trauma surgeons and other specialists to help address every damaged body system and increase the chance of complete recovery. There are times when you may have a broken bone but are unaware that you do. This is normally the case with injuries sustained during sports or fractures resulting from overuse.
Treatment for orthopaedic trauma:
People with orthopaedic trauma injuries may undergo surgical or nonsurgical treatment, depending on the type of injury and its severity. Nonsurgical treatment methods may include casts or braces. Surgery is normally indicated to treat more serious injuries. Surgery may be done using minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery or open surgery. The orthopaedic surgeon will realign the breaks and address other associated complications, such as damaged tendons, torn ligaments or problems with muscles. In more serious cases, orthopaedic surgeons may work with other surgeons to correct vascular damage or repair organs or plastic surgeons in cases with severe tissue or skin loss.
FAQ
- Bruising
- Severe swelling
- Sudden and persistent pain
- Deformity of the extremity
- Cracking or popping sensation during strenuous activity or following a traumatic event
- Always wearing a seatbelt when driving
- Always wear appropriate safety gear when riding a skateboard, rollerblading and cycling.
- Wear appropriate safety gear while working.
- Stretch and do warm-up exercises before working out or playing a sport to prevent muscle injury.