From small ruptures to life-threatening highway traffic collisions, orthopedic trauma covers a wide range of injuries.

Any damage to the joints or bones produced by an outside force is referred to as orthopedic trauma. It could be the result of a car accident, a collision, or a fall. Although it is not life-threatening, it necessitates immediate attention. Athletes, road accident victims, and people with weak and brittle bones are all susceptible to this.

“Orthopedic trauma refers to any severe injury to the bones, joints, or soft tissue caused by an external force. A sudden event, such as a car accident or a fall, is frequently, but not always, the cause of these injuries, says “Dr.Ratnav Ratan, a leading Pediatric Orthopedic Specialist from Delhi.

From small ruptures to life-threatening highway traffic collisions, orthopedic trauma covers a wide range of injuries. Falling, automobile accidents, physical violence, sports injuries (basketball and football), and natural disasters, among other things, are the leading causes.

“An older adult with osteoporosis – a disease that creates bone loss – is more likely to break a bone when they fall than a healthy young adult,” says Dr. Ratnav Ratan.

Signs of a rupture or tissue injury:

* Critical swelling

* Unexpected and tenacious pain

* Bruising

* Popping or cracking sensation during vigorous activity or following a traumatic experience

* Deformation of the extremity.

When should you see an orthopedic trauma specialist?

While some people are unaware that they have a broken bone, others have life-threatening injuries such as protruding bones or punctured organs, necessitating a trip to the emergency room.

While some people are unaware that they have a broken bone, others have life-threatening injuries such as protruding bones or punctured organs, necessitating a trip to the emergency room.

“Serious accidents can result in multiple breaks, blood vessel damage, and tearing or rupturing of other tissues. In these cases, a trauma surgeon and other specialists are needed to address all damaged body systems and improve the chances of a full recovery. Orthopedic surgeons are experts in the musculoskeletal system, with some specializing even further in a single body part, such as the knees, hands, or feet, “Dr. Ratnav Ratan agrees.

Even if the trauma isn’t life-threatening, it must be treated right away.

Trauma injuries have a variety of treatment options.

Scans will be ordered right away in the event of a fracture or a severe soft tissue injury to determine treatment. The injured area is stabilized, and bleeding control measures are taken.

During surgery, broken bones are set in place using an open reduction and fixation technique. Open reduction involves developing bones through an incision while avoiding the injured areas and stabilizing them with plates, screws, or rods as they heal.

On the other hand, rehabilitation is frequently started as soon as possible. Too much immobilization can be harmful, so a good rehab program is essential to avoid losing strength and range of motion.

Treatment options that do not require surgery

For non-displaced fractures and displacements, such as the clavicle, humerus, scapula, hand, wrist, and foot, non-operative treatment may include traction or the use of a cast, sling, or splint outside of the injury for stability.

Surgical options for treatment

While not all fractures necessitate specialized care, some complicated dislocations may require the assistance of a trauma specialist. Many cutting-edge surgical techniques, such as minimally invasive surgery, advanced external fixation, and the use of bone graft substitutes and bone-forming proteins, are available as treatment options. Internal fixation is when a doctor performs significant surgery on the bone and uses pins, wires, screws, and plates to stabilize it.

Recovery

“The type and severity of the injury determine the length of time it takes to recover from a fracture. It can take anywhere from three to several months for a bone to fully heal, and in some cases, the bone may never fully recover. However, the pain improves before the healing process is completed, “Dr. Ratnav Ratan agrees.

The doctor will recommend a treatment plan that will gradually return the fractured bone to its pre-injury condition. Stiffness and muscle fatigue are common side effects of starting a new program—muscles, joints, and ligaments atrophy due to inactivity. Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully to avoid re-injury.

Because no two injuries are alike, each patient requires a unique treatment plan.