Orthopedic Trauma Surgery: Treating Fractures and Dislocations

Orthopedic trauma surgery is a specialized field of medicine that deals with the treatment of skeletal injuries. In our everyday lives, accidents happen – from simple falls to more severe incidents. These events can lead to fractures (broken bones) and dislocations (bones moving out of their normal alignment).

Orthopedic trauma surgeons play an important role in addressing these injuries, ensuring patients recover their mobility and function. Here’s a comprehensive understanding of what orthopedic trauma surgery entails, focusing on the treatment of fractures and dislocations.

Understanding Fractures

Fractures are a common result of trauma, occurring when the physical force exerted on a bone is stronger than the bone itself.

They can range from minor cracks to complete breaks and are classified based on their characteristics:

• Simple Fractures: The bone breaks but does not pierce the skin.
• Compound Fractures: The broken bone protrudes through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
• Stress Fractures: Small cracks in the bone, often caused by repetitive activities like running.
• Compression Fractures: These occur typically in the spine and are caused by the collapse of a vertebra.
• Greenstick Fractures: Common in children, where the bone bends and partially breaks.

Symptoms of a fracture include visible deformity, swelling, bruising, and intense pain.

Surgical Procedures for Fractures

Surgical intervention for fractures is considered when a bone cannot naturally heal in the correct position. Common surgical procedures include:

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)

The surgeon repositions the bone fragments into their normal alignment and then uses metal plates, screws, or rods to hold the pieces of bone in place.

External Fixation

Metal pins or screws are placed into the bone, protruding outside the body, and connected to a stabilizing frame to hold the bones in the correct position.

Intramedullary Nailing

This involves inserting a metal rod into the marrow canal of the bone, typically used for long bone fractures like the femur.

Understanding Dislocations

Dislocations occur when the ends of bones are forced out of their normal positions, usually in joints such as the shoulder, hip, knee, or fingers.

This can be due to a sudden impact or a fall. Symptoms of dislocations include pain, swelling, and the joint appearing visibly out of place or misshapen.

Surgery for Dislocations

Surgical treatment for dislocations may be necessary when:

• The dislocation is recurrent or severe.
• There is significant damage to the surrounding ligaments, nerves, or blood vessels.

Procedures include:

• Reduction: The process of realigning the dislocated bone, which may require surgery if it is a complex dislocation.
• Reconstructive Surgery: This is done to repair or reconstruct damaged ligaments, tendons, or muscles around the joint.
• Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgery using an arthroscope to repair or remove damaged tissues.

Both fractures and dislocations require careful post-operative care and rehabilitation to ensure complete healing and restoration of function.

The type of surgery performed depends on the severity and location of the injury, as well as the overall health and activity level of the patient.

When to Visit Your Orthopedic Surgeon

Here are key indicators that you should consult an orthopedic surgeon for fractures and dislocations:

• Severe Pain and Swelling: If the injury site is extremely painful, swollen, or tender to touch.
• Deformity or Unnatural Position: If a limb or joint appears visibly deformed, bent, or out of its normal alignment.
• Inability to Bear Weight or Use the Limb: Difficulty or inability to stand, walk, or use a limb after an injury often suggests a significant fracture or dislocation.
• Numbness or Weakness Around the Injury: Loss of sensation or weakness in the area around the injury, especially if it is near a joint.
• A ‘Popping’ Sound at the Time of Injury: Hearing a distinct pop or snap when the injury occurs, especially in joints like the shoulder, knee, or ankle.
• Persistent Symptoms After Initial Treatment: If you have already received treatment (like casting or splinting) for a suspected fracture or dislocation, but symptoms like pain, swelling, or difficulty using the limb persist or worsen.
• Recurrent Dislocations: If you have experienced multiple dislocations in the same joint.
• Previous Fractures or Dislocations in the Same Area: If you have a history of fractures or dislocations in the same area.

Seeking care from an orthopedic surgeon ensures you receive a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan tailored to your specific injury.

They have the expertise to manage complex fractures and dislocations, often employing advanced diagnostic tools and surgical techniques to optimize healing and function.

Early and appropriate intervention is key to a successful recovery from these types of injuries.

Top Orthopedic Surgeons in Little Rock, AR

If you are in search of the top orthopedic surgeons in Little Rock, AR, look no further than Dr. William Hefley. Dr. Bill Hefley is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon devoted to treating a broad range of conditions affecting the shoulder, hip, and knee, both operatively and non-operatively. He is an expert at return-to-play protocols and joint replacement surgery and can get athletes back to their sport quickly and stronger than before their injury. With years of experience perfecting minimally invasive techniques for the knee and hip, he can restore your mobility and help you lead a pain-free life once again.

For more information or to schedule your consultation, call our friendly staff today at (800) 336-2412 or submit an online appointment request form.

We look forward to serving you!