A severe injury to the skeletal or muscular system due to an external force is called an orthopedic trauma. It can be damage to your bones, joints, or any soft tissues. Possible causes of an orthopedic trauma injury are a fall or any form of accident. It can also result from overuse. For instance, long-distance running can cause tibial stress fractures or hairline cracks in the lower leg.
These injuries may not be life-threatening. But it can be life-changing. Hence it is important to get treated by an experienced trauma care specialist for your injuries.
Causes
- Falling
- Being involved in a car or motorcycle accident
- Physical violence
- Being injured while playing a sport (basketball and football have the highest number of orthopedic injuries)
- Natural disasters
People with osteoporosis are more likely to suffer injuries compared to others.
Treatment
All fractures are treated differently. Some might require minimally invasive surgery, while others are fixed using external fixation methods.
Non-surgical methods
Fractures or dislocations related to the clavicle, scapula, humerus, wrist, hand, and foot can be treated without surgery. But it depends on the severity of the damage caused.
In the non-surgical treatment methods, the doctor might use external fixation methods, such as splints, casts, braces to stabilize the fracture.
Surgical methods
If the injuries are severe, the doctor might perform surgery to fix the issue. It might include grafting, limb lengthening, and complex reconstruction.
Recovery
The recovery period for fractures depends on the type and the severity of the injury. It can take up to a few weeks to a few months. During the journey to recovery, you might strictly follow the instructions of your doctor.