Orthopedics

What are traumatic orthopedic injuries?

Traumatic injuries are injuries that occur as a result of an accident or other sudden event and require immediate attention. They can include injuries to the bones, joints, or soft tissues. Fractures are a common type of traumatic injury in addition to ligament and tendon injuries.

The primary goals of orthopedic trauma treatments are to relieve pain, restore function and improve mobility to the injured area. The treatment depends on the kind of injury. Some options include casting, splinting, and bracing to provide support for bones, joints, and soft tissues. Some types of traumatic fractures may require a surgical procedure called reduction to place bones back into their proper positions before applying a cast, and very severe fractures may require surgical correction using pins or screws to hold the bones in their proper positions.

When a traumatic injury occurs, diagnostic imaging is almost always used to determine the extent of the injury and to guide treatment.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a medical condition which causes thinning of the bones. This can result in painful fractures. Risk factors for osteoporosis can include being female, low body weight, aging, low sex hormones or menopause, smoking, and certain medications. Prevention and care typically include exercise, calcium and vitamin D supplements, and osteoporosis medications. A person is frequently not conscious of the fact that he or she has osteoporosis. A fracture is usually what brings the condition to their attention. There are some symptoms of the disorder which can include:

• Backache
• A gradual loss of height and an associated hunched posture
• Fractures of the spine, wrist, or hip

When would spinal surgery be necessary?

Determining if surgery is a necessary step will come about through a complete examination and detailed discussion with the doctor. Specifics of the back pain and the pressure being placed on the discs, spinal cord, or nerve roots will all be considered.

The patient’s age, the length of time the pain has been present, and prior medical history will also be taken into account. Minor back surgery such as decompression of a pinched nerve, or minimally invasive surgery, may be an option.

For more extreme circumstances spinal fusion would be used. A fusion procedure could include the installation of devices like screws or plates to stabilize and strengthen the spine. If you have questions or concerns regarding your back pain or possible surgery, it is best to consult the physician. Contact the office today to schedule a consultation.