Trauma
Orthopaedic trauma refers to injuries of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, blood vessels, or related soft tissues that most commonly occur during sports, exercise or any other physical activity.
Trauma may be a result of accidents, poor training practices or with use of improper gear. Injuries may also be caused when an individual is not medically fit or because of insufficient warm up and stretching exercises. Musculoskeletal injuries are a group of painful disorders that arise due to wear and tear resulting in impairment in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
The specialist orthopaedic surgeons at Orthopaedics SA in Adelaide are highly skilled in diagnosing, treating, and managing orthopaedic trauma conditions.
What are the types of orthopaedic trauma?
Fractures
Fractures occur when a bone breaks due to force or stress. Various types of fractures include:
· Compound Fractures: Also known as open fractures, where the broken bone pierces the skin. These injuries are often severe and can result from high-impact activities like car accidents or falls from height.
· Greenstick Fractures: Common in children, these are incomplete fractures where the bone bends but doesn’t completely break. This often results from falls or minor impacts.
Dislocations
A dislocation happens when the bones in a joint are forced out of their normal positions, often causing intense pain and immobility. Commonly affected joints include the shoulder, elbow, and fingers. Dislocations can result from sports injuries, falls, or other high-impact incidents.
Sprains and strains
· Sprains: A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tissue connecting bones. It often occurs in the ankle or wrist due to twisting or impact. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and limited movement.
· Strains: A strain affects muscles or tendons, typically due to overstretching or tearing. Common sites include the lower back and hamstring, often resulting from overuse or improper lifting.
Tendon injuries
Tendon injuries, such as an Achilles tendon rupture, occur when the tendon fibres tear, either partially or completely. This injury often results from sudden movements, like jumping or pivoting. Treatment options range from rest and physical therapy to surgery, depending on the severity.
Consult your doctor if:
- You experience severe pain, swelling, or numbness
- You can’t tolerate any weight on the area
- Pain or dull ache of an old injury
- If pain is accompanied by swelling or if you feel the joint as unstable
All injuries need time to heal so proper rest helps the process. So you must also take time to rest after an injury.
Acute injuries are the sudden injuries that occur during playing or exercising and include sprained ankles, strained backs, and fractured hands.
Chronic injuries happen from overusing one part of the body for playing a sport or exercising, particularly when practiced for a longer duration.
How is orthopaedic trauma diagnosed?
The first step for diagnosing orthopaedic trauma is with a physical examination. The orthopaedic surgeon assesses the injury by testing the range of motion, palpating the affected area to identify tenderness or swelling, and observing any deformities. This initial assessment guides further diagnostic steps.
Imaging techniques
- X-rays help identify fractures and dislocations.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) provides detailed images of soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons, and muscles, making it essential for diagnosing sprains and strains.
- CT scans offer cross-sectional images of bones and are particularly useful in complex fractures.
Understanding the patient’s medical history and the circumstances surrounding the injury is vital. This information can reveal underlying conditions, previous injuries, or risk factors that might affect treatment decisions.
The treatment of musculoskeletal injuries includes both non-surgical and surgical methods. Non-surgical methods are the initial line of management and include:
- Restriction of movement of the injured part
- Heat or cold treatment that may relieve pain and accelerate repair process
- Exercise and physical therapy to help in stretching the injured muscle
- Medication such as anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics
- In cases where non-surgical methods are not effective, surgical repair of the underlying muscle, tendon, or ligament is recommended.
Age
As individuals age, bones can become more brittle, increasing the risk of fractures, especially from minor falls or impacts. Conditions like osteoporosis further heighten this risk.
Physical fitness
Poor physical conditioning or failing to warm up before physical activities can increase the risk of sprains, strains, and other injuries. Regular exercise and proper warm0up routines can help maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength, reducing the likelihood of trauma.
Occupation and lifestyle
Certain occupations or hobbies that involve repetitive stress, heavy lifting, or high-impact activities can increase the risk of orthopaedic trauma. For example, construction workers, athletes, and dancers are more prone to injuries like sprains, strains, and fractures due to the physical demands of their activities.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of orthopaedic trauma, request a referral from your GP to see the orthopaedic specialists at Orthopaedics SA in Adelaide. We can provide personalised treatment options and compassionate support.
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