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. (more…)
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.
Sports and Concussions
Recent news headlines and the release of the Hollywood film “Concussion” have many people worried about the effects of sports-related head injuries on health. Understanding the scope of the problem and potential consequences of concussions can help you make educated decisions about participation in sports. (more…)
How Can You Tell You May Need a Knee Replacement?
Knee replacements are among the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States, with 719,000 performed each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When knee pain interferes with your everyday activities, it may be time to consider surgical intervention. Your Jacksonville orthopedic surgeon can help you determine whether a knee replacement is right for you. (more…)
Stretches to Do at Your Desk for Back Pain
The United States seems to have a collective back ache. More than 80 percent of Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, according to the National Institutes of Health. Serious back pain can be extraordinarily debilitating, affecting your ability to walk, sleep comfortably and drive. If you experience back pain, visit the Jacksonville orthopedics specialists at Southeast Ortho to get a thorough assessment and diagnosis. Modifications to your everyday life, including performing stretches at your desk, can be an effective way to alleviate back pain. (more…)
Wrist Sprain vs. Broken Wrist
We use our hands for so much throughout the day that wrist pain can be very debilitating. The most common cause of wrist injuries is falling onto an outstretched hand. This may cause the wrist ligaments or bones to become damaged. Some wrist injuries are classified as wrist sprains while others are considered a broken wrist. Understanding the difference will help you get the correct treatment from your Jacksonville orthopedic specialist. Contact our hand and wrist specialists to take advantage of their specialized knowledge and training in this area. (more…)
The Difference Between Being Sore or Injured
After a particularly intense workout, it is common to feel some muscle pain the next day. What can be more challenging is distinguishing between soreness and an injury. Self-diagnosing workout-related aches and pains can be challenging. Visiting orthopedic surgeons can help you get an answer regarding the source of your muscle pain. (more…)
Tips for Exercising in Cold Weather
When it’s cold outside, exercising outdoors may seem like a last-resort choice. With the proper equipment and attitude, however, outdoor exercise in the wintertime can be a fun option. One of the best parts about exercising in the cold is that you often get streets, sidewalks and trails to yourself! Although slippery surfaces may make safety a concern, our orthopedic surgeons recommend taking the following precautions for winter exercise. (more…)
Difference Between Straps, Braces, and Tape
If you’ve got a sore, achy knee, you may think a brace, strap or athletic tape will alleviate the pain while you run or participate in your favorite athletic activity.
Depending on your diagnosis, these supportive devices can sometimes help. So what are the options available to you? Read on to learn more about the variety of braces, straps, and tape on the market today. (more…)
How to Help Kids Prepare for Orthopedic Surgery
Surgery — even minor procedures — can be traumatic for children. Children can easily become frightened and overwhelmed when they need the services of an orthopedic specialist. As a parent, you can take steps to lessen your child’s anxiety before surgery. Here are some things that can help. (more…)
5 Jobs That Ruin Your Feet
If you work a job that requires you to stand on your feet all day, you’re probably quite familiar with tired, sore and swollen feet. Other than foot pain, standing for long periods of time can increase your risk serious health problems like back pain, bunions, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, varicose veins, poor circulation and osteoarthritis in your lower extremities that could require the services of a foot or ankle surgeon.
And while any job that requires prolonged standing is bad for your feet, some are worse than others. Here’s a look at five of the worst and steps you can take to prevent problems. (more…)
