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Trauma and Fracture Care

Fractures and traumatic injuries can occur unexpectedly, impacting various parts of the body. This article will discuss the critical aspects of trauma and fracture care, exploring the treatments and options available for those experiencing traumatic injuries and broken bones.

At Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, our fellowship-trained orthopaedic trauma surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating orthopaedic injuries, ensuring optimal care and patient outcomes. Whether it’s a simple fracture or a severe trauma, we are equipped to identify symptoms, lead the diagnosis process, and develop personalized treatment plans to promote healing and recovery. Contact us today!

What is Trauma Care?

Trauma care encompasses the specialized medical attention provided to individuals who have sustained traumatic injuries, such as those resulting from accidents, falls, or other unforeseen events. These injuries can range from simple fractures to severe trauma affecting the different areas of the body. Trauma care involves a multidisciplinary approach, often requiring the expertise of trauma surgeons, orthopaedic specialists, emergency physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Patients receive prompt assessment and stabilization in the emergency department or trauma center to address critical conditions and prevent further complications. Trauma surgeons diagnose injuries, manage bleeding, and initiate treatment to optimize patient outcomes. Additionally, trauma care addresses associated injuries and provides comprehensive support throughout the healing and recovery process.

What is Fracture Care?

Fracture care encompasses the comprehensive treatment provided to individuals who have sustained broken bones, ranging from simple fractures to complex injuries requiring surgical intervention. When a fracture occurs, whether in the shoulder, humerus, elbow or any other area, prompt and appropriate care is essential to promote healing and prevent further complications.

A doctor showing her patient an X-ray of a broken bone in his foot.

Common Fractures Treated

Common Fractures

Click over the location of injury below to learn more.

Skeleton showing hip joint issue.

What Treatments We Provide

At Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, we provide both non-surgical and surgical treatments for our trauma patients. Treatments will depend on the severity and complexity of the injury.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatments play a crucial role in fracture treatment, offering conservative approaches to promote healing and restore function without the need for invasive procedures. These treatments are often provided for simple fractures or cases where surgical intervention is not immediately required.

  • Casting: Casting involves the application of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as plaster or fiberglass, around the injured limb to immobilize and support the fractured bone. By holding the bone in proper alignment, casting allows for optimal healing while minimizing the risk of further displacement or complications.
  • Splinting: Splinting is similar to casting but involves using a removable device, typically made of padded material and secured with straps or Velcro, to immobilize the injured area. Splints are often used in the early stages of fracture management to provide initial stabilization and pain relief. They also allow for easier monitoring and adjustments as needed.

Surgical Treatments

In cases where fractures require more than conservative management, surgical intervention becomes necessary to realign bones, stabilize joints, and promote optimal healing.

  • Open Reduction: Open reduction is a surgical procedure used to realign fractured bones. It involves making an incision at the fracture site. This allows the surgeon to see and realign the bone fragments. This technique is often employed for complex fractures or those that cannot be adequately aligned through non-surgical means.
  • Internal Fixation: Internal fixation involves the use of implants such as screws, plates, or rods to stabilize fractured bones internally, allowing for proper alignment and healing. This technique provides structural support to the bone during the healing process and helps facilitate early mobilization and rehabilitation.
  • External Fixation: This is a temporary stabilization method where an external frame outside the body is secured using pins or screws that are inserted into the bone above and below the fracture site. This technique is commonly used in cases of severe trauma or when soft tissue damage prohibits immediate internal fixation.
  • Joint Revision: Joint revision surgery is a procedure that removes and replaces the previously implanted joint prosthesis. It may be used if the implant stem becomes loose due to a fracture close to the prosthesis.
  • Joint Replacement: Joint replacement surgery (or arthroplasty) involves removing damaged joint surfaces and replacing them with artificial implants. This procedure is commonly performed to restore function in joints affected by severe trauma.
  • Fusion: Fusion surgery (or arthrodesis) involves joining together two or more adjacent bones in a joint to eliminate motion and provide stability.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic injury or fracture, don’t hesitate to reach out to Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville. Our team of experienced physicians and specialists is dedicated to providing timely and effective care to alleviate pain, prevent further injury, and promote healing. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards recovery.

Medically reviewed by Benjamin R. Pulley, MD, FAAOS

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If your injury is an emergency, please ask for OAZ Trauma when you check-in at the local emergency department.