Orthopedic medicine refers to treatment of the musculoskeletal system, meaning any condition affecting the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and associated structures. Within the field of orthopedic medicine, some physicians choose to specialize in orthopedic trauma. Orthopedic trauma experts are equipped to handle a range of injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system.

What Is Orthopedic Trauma?

When an injury or traumatic event affects the bones, joints or soft tissues, orthopedic trauma surgeons are best equipped to handle the problem. The goal of this specialty area is to optimize the healing of broken bones and related tissues. Orthopedic trauma typically involves minimally invasive surgery designed to provide the highest quality results with the lowest possible side effect profile.

Common Problems Seen By Orthopedic Trauma Specialists

Orthopedic trauma specialists treat fractures in nearly any bone in the human body. This includes fractures of the hip, tibia, femur, humerus (upper arm bone), elbow, pelvis, clavicle (collarbone) and forearm. From hairline fractures to complete breaks in the bone, trauma specialists can recommend the treatments that will result in the best possible outcomes.

Common procedures performed by our orthopedic trauma experts include the following:

• Minimally invasive surgery for broken bones
• Limb lengthening
• Surgery on the pelvis and acetabulum (hip)
• Bone transplantation
• Joint transplantation
• Bone grafts
• Treatment of nonunion fractures
• Soft tissue reconstruction
• Osteomyelitis treatment

Before recommending one of these procedures, your surgeon will likely perform X-rays or other imaging to get a complete picture of the problem. This helps guide treatment planning.

Why It Is Important to See a Specialist Following Orthopedic Trauma

Following a traumatic bone injury, many patients are unsure what type of doctor to see. Emergency room physicians can help with the immediate consequences of the injury. However, any needed surgeries or longer term follow-up care are best handled by orthopedic specialists.

Orthopedic trauma specialists have typically completed a fellowship program in which they receive specialized training in the treatment of traumatic injuries. This provides them with the skills and experience needed to maximize outcomes while minimizing patient distress. Our orthopedic surgeons work collaboratively with experts in plastic surgery, vascular surgery and neurosurgery to repair the injury. This includes attending to bones, associated soft tissues, vasculature and surrounding nerves.

Experiencing an orthopedic trauma may result in weeks or months of recovery time. Southeast Orthopedic Specialists are experts in the assessment and treatment of a range of orthopedic issues. Our specialists can help you create a treatment plan that will restore your range of motion and quality of life.