Orthopaedic Trauma

Fractures, dislocations, and crush injuries are all forms of orthopaedic trauma that board-certified traumatologist Karl Siebuhr, MD, specializes in treating. Dr. Siebuhr and Jonathan Kletter, PA-C, at Reconstructive Orthopaedics of Central Florida in Ocala, Florida, excel at relieving pain and restoring mobility to patients suffering from orthopaedic traumas like these. Call the office for more information, or complete the online booking form today.

What is orthopaedic trauma?

Orthopaedic trauma is a term for acute injuries that cause severe musculoskeletal damage. The most common orthopaedic traumas are fractures, dislocations, and ligament ruptures. 

Fractures

Fractures are broken bones. They happen in numerous ways, ranging from a simple break where the bones stay in alignment to compound fractures where shattered bones protrude through the skin. Bones can also break into multiple pieces (comminuted fractures).

Dislocation

Dislocation is a joint injury. It happens when the bones that form the joint come under excessive force that wrenches them apart. Dislocation can occur in any joint, but the ball-and-socket shoulder and hip joints are especially vulnerable. Dislocations often cause extensive soft tissue damage as well, tearing muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Ligament ruptures

Ligaments connect bones in your joints. They’re tough, but if stretched too far, they can tear or rupture (come away from the bone). A ruptured ligament makes it impossible to use the joint and can be immensely painful.

How would I sustain orthopaedic trauma?

Orthopaedic trauma is most likely to result from:

Auto accidents

Serious car accidents can cause extensive musculoskeletal damage, including multiple fractures and crush injuries. Even minor bumps can result in injuries like whiplash — strained neck tendons and muscles.

Sports injuries

Fractures and dislocations are quite common, especially in higher-risk activities like snowboarding and contact sports like football. Ligament ruptures are also frequent sports injuries.

Falls

Falls can occur when you trip going down the stairs or slip on the ice. Falling from a height, such as off a ladder, could cause compression fractures or a spinal cord injury (SCI).

Work injuries

Accidents at work include falls, vehicle collisions, being crushed in machinery, and many others.

How is orthopaedic trauma treated?

The treatment you require for orthopaedic trauma varies depending on the injuries you sustain. Fracture treatment typically begins with reduction — realigning the broken bones.

If X-rays show the bones are cleanly broken, your Reconstructive Orthopaedics of Central Florida provider may manipulate them back into place (closed reduction) after giving you an anesthetic. If they can’t perform closed reduction, you would need surgery.

Fracture surgery involves making an incision to access the bones directly and realign them (open reduction). Your surgeon fixes the bones in place with screws, pins, and plates, repairs soft tissue damage, and sutures the wound.

Call Reconstructive Orthopaedics of Central Florida to learn more about orthopaedic trauma care, or book an appointment online today.