Orthopaedic Trauma Care

It is a specialized branch of orthopaedics solely dedicated to offering robust care to patients suffering from various traumatic injuries involving dislocation, multiple fractures, amputation and so on. Orthopaedic trauma care offers comprehensive care with a personalized touch and aims at stabilizing the patients before they are sent for further medical intervention. 

What is orthopaedic trauma?
Orthopaedic trauma is an umbrella term used for all serious injuries that involve the musculoskeletal system. These are caused by a traumatic blow or any other external force triggered by an accident, blow or fall. The intensity of such injuries varies from one person to another and these may not always be life-threatening. In the majority of cases, these can, however, prove to be debilitating, which makes it important to seek immediate medical attention. The branch of orthopaedics that deals with the assessment, treatment and management of such injuries is commonly referred to as orthopaedic trauma care.

What are the most common causes of orthopaedic trauma? 
Orthopaedic trauma can be a result of any of the following:
●    Falls
●    Sports injuries
●    Road traffic accidents
●    Physical violence 
●    Natural disasters like earthquakes and floods 

What are the different types of orthopaedic trauma?
Orthopaedic trauma is broadly classified into 3 categories based on the part of the body involved. These are:
●    Injuries of the upper extremities, i.e. those involving the ribs, collar bone, shoulder, arm, neck and wrist
●    Injuries of the lower extremities, i.e. those involving the hips, legs, ankles, feet, knees etc
●    Injuries of the soft tissues, i.e. those involving the ligaments, muscles and tendons.

What are the Symptoms of orthopaedic trauma?
Common symptoms associated with orthopaedic trauma include:
●    Extreme pain
●    Visible penetration
●    Redness and tenderness 
●    Swelling and numbness 
●    Inability to move or bear weight 
●    Bruising

When should you consult a doctor?
It is advisable to see a doctor as soon as you are injured. Timely medical intervention will help to alleviate unnecessary complications and add to the effectiveness of the treatment.