What is orthopaedic trauma?
Orthopaedic trauma is a branch of medicine that focuses on treating severe musculoskeletal injuries caused by external forces. External forces include things like automobile accidents, industrial accidents, violent injuries, contact sports injuries, accidental falls, and other sudden accidents.
The musculoskeletal system consists of structural components of the body that support the weight of the body, hold its form, and facilitate movement. These components include the:
- Muscles
- Bones
- Joints
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Cartilage
- Other connective tissue
Damage to the musculoskeletal system, while not necessarily fatal, can negatively impact your quality of life.
What are some examples of orthopaedic trauma injuries?
Some examples of the most common orthopaedic trauma injuries that Dr. Johnson treats include:
- Hip, pelvic, and acetabular fractures
- Arm and elbow fractures
- Shoulder fractures
- Hip fractures and malunions
- Leg and foot fractures
- Polytrauma (multiple injuries in a traumatized patient)
To protect your wellbeing and mobility, seek out orthopaedic trauma care as soon as possible after sustaining a traumatic injury.
Are orthopaedic trauma physicians different from general orthopaedic physicians?
Physicians trained in orthopaedic trauma, like Dr. Johnson, have specialized knowledge about the anatomy of the whole body and how to:
- Treat fractured bones and joints
- Operative repair of fracture into major joint articular surfaces
- Treat malunion and nonunion
- Safely restore function to injured body parts
Also, orthopaedic trauma physicians, while they always strive to find a nonsurgical solution, can operate on a traumatic injury. When they do operate, orthopaedic trauma physicians use techniques that ensure the fastest and most positive recovery.
Like other orthopaedic doctors, Dr. Johnson stays connected with his patients throughout their recovery to make sure they heal well and don’t require further intervention.
If he finds that patients do need further care, he can address it himself or refer them to another specialist, such as a physical therapist.
If a traumatic injury makes it hard for you to live your life, find out how orthopaedic trauma care can help you. For a consultation with Dr. Johnson, call his practice or use the online booking tool today.
