Orthopedic Trauma & Fractures
Trauma is defined as a severe injury caused by an external source, which may be life-threatening, involving the elements of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic trauma injuries to this system made up of joints, muscles, ligaments, bones, and soft tissue, are typically a result of a sudden accident.
When Should I See an Orthopedic Trauma Specialist?
If you have been involved in an accident and suffered a broken bone or injuries to the musculoskeletal system, chances are you will be referred to an orthopedic specialist. At South Florida Orthopedic Group (formerly known as Meli Orthopedic Centers of Excellence), in Fort Lauderdale and Margate, Florida, our orthopedic professionals are ready to help with your fracture or trauma needs.
Fractures and traumatic injuries need prompt attention by a specialist who knows how to respond in an emergency. Experience and in-depth knowledge of fracture care, including bone and soft tissue injuries, casting and bracing, surgery, and fracture healing, is necessary for the best results.
Fractures
A fracture is a broken bone, the same as a crack or a break. A bone may be completely fractured or partially fractured in many different ways, including crosswise, lengthwise, in multiple pieces, and so on.
Although bones are rigid, they do bend or give to pressure, however, when the outside force is too great, they can break. The severity of a fracture depends on the outside force that caused the break. A bone fracture can range from a simple crack when the bone’s breaking point is slightly over reached, or it can shatter, when the force is extreme, like in an automobile accident.
At South Florida Orthopedic Group, we use surgical and nonsurgical procedures to repair injuries to the entire body after a trauma, including:
- Bones that have not healed (nonunions and malunions)
- Infected fractures and osteomyelitis
- Burns and lacerations
- Bone grafting
- Bone and joint transplantation
- Complex soft tissue reconstruction
When you come to see us at South Florida Orthopedic Group, we’ll start with an X-ray to examine the fracture in detail. There are several types of fractures:
- Complete fracture: Bone is cleanly broken into separate pieces
- Partial fracture: Bone is cracked, but not completely broken
- Pediatric fracture: Bone is bowed but not broken
- Compound fracture: Multiple fractures
- Open fracture: Broken bone is penetrating the skin
Orthopedic Treatment for Fractures
Fractures can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to heal, depending on the type of fracture and where the fracture is located on the bone. During recovery, many patients lose muscle strength and range of motion due to limited mobility during the healing process. Below are some of the many treatment options for fractures:
- Cast immobilization: A plaster or fiberglass cast is the most common type of fracture treatment. Bones are immobilized and are allowed to heal in the proper position.
- Functional cast or brace: This type of cast allows for limited or controlled movement of nearby joints.
- Traction: This is used to align bones by a gentle, steady pulling. It is not typically used as the only treatment.
- External fixation: An operation where metal pins or screws are placed into the broken bone above and below the fracture. These pins or screws are connected to a metal bar outside the skin like a frame, to stabilize the fracture while it heals.
- Open reduction and internal fixation: An operation in which the doctor will reposition bone fragments into alignment and then uses screws, pins, rods, and/or metal plates to hold the bones together.
Orthopedic Doctors in Ft. Lauderdale & Margate, FL
We can accommodate same-day appointments for orthopedic fractures and trauma with a physician referral. To schedule a consultation, contact South Florida Orthopedic Group, formerly known as Meli Orthopedic Centers of Excellence, right away. Call South Florida Orthopedic Group in Fort Lauderdale at (954) 771-8177 or in Margate at (954) 580-4080. You can also request your appointment now.