Orthopedic Specialists

Orthopedic Trauma

What Is Orthopedic Trauma?X-Ray image of orthopedic trauma repairs

Orthopedic trauma refers to injuries to the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons caused by external forces, such as accidents, falls, sports injuries, or violent incidents. These injuries can vary in severity, ranging from minor fractures and dislocated joints to serious ligament or tendon tears.

At Orthopedic Specialists, we understand the urgency and complexity of these injuries. Our team of orthopedic trauma specialists is trained to provide prompt and effective care, ensuring the best possible recovery for our patients.

Common Causes of Orthopedic Trauma

Orthopedic trauma can occur due to a variety of events, including:

  • Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car and motorcycle accidents often lead to broken bones, fractures, and joint injuries.
  • Falls: Accidental falls, especially in older adults, can result in fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue damage.
  • Sports Injuries: High-impact sports or physical activities can cause sprains, strains, fractures, or torn ligaments.
  • Workplace Accidents: Injuries at work, especially in construction or manual labor, can result in significant trauma to bones and joints.
  • Violent Incidents: Trauma from accidents, assaults, or natural disasters can lead to severe musculoskeletal injuries.

Types of Injuries We Treat

At Orthopedic Specialists, we treat a wide range of traumatic orthopedic injuries, including:

  • Fractures: Broken bones that may require immobilization, surgery, or both.
  • Dislocations: When bones move out of their normal position in a joint.
  • Ligament and Tendon Tears: Injuries to the soft tissues connecting muscles to bones.
  • Joint Injuries: Damage to the cartilage or other components of joints, such as knees, shoulders, and elbows.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscle strains, contusions, and other injuries to tissues.

Treatment Options

The treatment for orthopedic trauma varies based on the severity of the injury. Some injuries can be treated with conservative methods, while others may require surgical intervention.

  • Non-Surgical Treatments: For less severe injuries, we may recommend immobilization with casts, splints, or braces, as well as physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
  • Surgical Treatments: Severe fractures, complex joint injuries, or ligament tears may require surgery. Our surgeons are skilled in techniques such as:
    • Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) for fractures.
    • Arthroscopy for minimally invasive joint repair.
    • Tendon and ligament repair or reconstruction.

Comprehensive Care and Recovery

Our orthopedic trauma specialists work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at restoring function and minimizing long-term effects. We also focus on rehabilitation, including physical therapy, to ensure you regain strength, mobility, and quality of life.

When Should You Seek Orthopedic Trauma Care?

You should seek immediate orthopedic care if you experience any of the following:

  • A broken or dislocated bone
  • Severe joint pain, swelling, or instability
  • Inability to move or bear weight on an injured limb
  • Deep cuts or open fractures
  • Severe bruising or deformity from an injury

Early treatment can help reduce the risk of complications and lead to better long-term outcomes.

Preventing Orthopedic Injuries

While accidents can happen, taking precautions can reduce the risk of orthopedic trauma:

  • Always wear your seatbelt in the car and a helmet when biking or engaging in high-risk sports.
  • Use appropriate safety gear when playing sports.
  • Warm up before physical activity to reduce the risk of muscle and tendon injuries.
  • Wear stable, comfortable shoes to prevent falls.

Why Choose Orthopedic Specialists?

At Orthopedic Specialists, we have a team of highly trained orthopedic trauma physicians including some of the best orthopedic surgeons in Iowa. Our orthopedic surgeons are extensively trained and experienced in the most effective methods to treat traumatic injuries to the musculoskeletal system. From fast injury diagnosis via medical imaging to emergency orthopedic surgery, the staff at Orthopedic Specialists will work promptly to provide you with the best treatment for your injuries. 

For more information about our orthopedic clinic, please visit our Locations page for contact information.

To find an orthopedic doctor, please visit our Providers & Specialists page.

To schedule an appointment, please call (515) 955-6767!

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