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Orthopaedic Trauma

The surgeons at Knox Orthopaedic Group are happy to care for patients who have sustained orthopaedic trauma injuries.  These injuries involve fractures of bones, or injuries to the joints of the body.

Fractures commonly occur following falls or during sporting activities.  Traumatic injuries to the joints may involve injuries to the soft tissues, such as ligaments, or tendons, or muscles.

Patients with significant orthopaedic trauma injuries are often taken by ambulance to an emergency department.  Knox Private Hospital has a large emergency department facility, which is staffed 24 hours per day and 7 days per week.  The specialist emergency doctors at Knox Private Hospital often refer orthopaedic trauma patients to the surgeons at Knox Orthopaedic Group.

Patients who have sustained fractures or joint injuries in general are treated with the RICE protocol.  This involves Rest and Ice and Compression and Elevation.

The surgeons at Knox Orthopaedic Group will take a thorough history from a patient who has sustained orthopaedic trauma.  An examination of the injured area will be performed.  X-rays are essential to diagnose fractures, and to investigate joint injuries.  Other tests may be necessary.  This may involve CT scans, MRI scans, or ultrasound scans.

Treatment of fractures may involve supporting the injury with a plaster or a splint.  More significant injuries may require bracing or surgery.  Surgical fixation of fractures often requires an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).  Plates may be applied to broken bones.  Titanium intra-medullary nails are inserted into fractures of the long bones, such as the femur and the tibia.  Displaced fractures in the hip joint may require hip replacement surgery.

The risks as well as the benefits of any orthopaedic trauma treatment will be thoroughly discussed at the time of consultation.  Non operative and operative treatment options will be presented.

The surgeons at Knox Orthopaedic Group regularly review their orthopaedic trauma patients until they have achieved a good recovery.  This often needs the input of physiotherapists to regain range of movement and strength and function.

Any surgical treatment can rarely lead to complications.  These will be fully discussed at the time of consultation.

The aim of orthopaedic trauma care is to achieve a full functional recovery and to become pain free.  Exercise and physiotherapy is very important in the recovery process from orthopaedic traumatic injuries.