Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery

Orthopedic and trauma surgery is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Orthopedic surgeons are trained to address a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, including injuries and disorders.

Trauma surgery specifically deals with acute injuries caused by accidents, falls, or other traumatic events. It involves immediate evaluation, stabilization, and treatment of severe injuries, such as fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue damage. Trauma surgeons work in emergency departments or trauma centers and collaborate with other specialists to provide comprehensive care to critically injured patients.

Orthopedic and trauma surgeons may treat a variety of conditions, including:

1. Fractures or broken bones: Orthopedic surgeons use variety of techniques to set and stabilize fractured bones to promote proper healing and restore function.

2. Joint injuries and arthritis: They diagnose and manage conditions affecting joints, such as ligament tears, cartilage damage, and arthritis. They may perform joint replacement surgeries when necessary.

3. Sports injuries: Orthopedic surgeons frequently treat athletes with sports-related injuries, including ligament tears (such as anterior cruciate ligament tears), tendonitis, and muscle strains.

4. Spine disorders: They address spinal conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and deformities like scoliosis. They may perform spinal fusion surgeries or other procedures to alleviate pain and improve spinal stability.

5. Hand and wrist conditions: Orthopedic surgeons treat conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and fractures of the hand or wrist.

6. Foot and ankle problems: They manage issues such as ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and foot deformities like bunions.

7. Limb deformities: Orthopedic surgeons may correct congenital or acquired limb deformities, such as limb length discrepancies or angular deformities.

8. Pediatric orthopedics: Some orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating musculoskeletal conditions in children, including pediatric fractures, scoliosis, and developmental hip dysplasia.

9. Musculoskeletal tumours. Orthopedic surgeons diagnose and perform diagnostic or curative surgeries on primary and secondary malignant or benign tumours/growth in the limbs. They work with other specialist like Oncologist for a comprehensive care of the patient.

In addition to performing surgical procedures, orthopedic and trauma surgeons often collaborate with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to their patients. They may also prescribe non-surgical treatments such as medications, physical therapy, and assistive devices to manage certain conditions.

If you have a specific question or need more information about a particular aspect of orthopedic and trauma surgery, feel free to ask!