Traumatic injuries involve bone fractures or severe damage to soft tissues. Broad generic symptoms are listed below.
Serious accidents can cause multiple breaks, damage to blood vessels and tearing or rupturing of other tissues. In such cases, call the ambulance and go to the nearest emergency trauma center.
Orthopedic trauma patients may undergo surgical or non-surgical treatment, depending on the injury. Less intensive injuries can be treated non-surgically by providing a cast, sling, braces, or splint outside of the injury for stability.
Surgery may be required for more serious injuries. Minor surgeries may involve placement of pins, wires, screws, and plates on the bone to stabilize it. Severe injuries may involve complex reconstructions procedures.
Rehabilitation is started as soon as possible. Mobility is necessary to avoid loss of strength and for range of motion.
The amount of time it takes to recover from a fracture is determined by the type and severity of the injury. Severe cases might take up to several months to heal completely.
Also in some cases, bone fracture may not heal (non-unions) completely, or bone joints after fracture may not be in correct alignment (mal-union). Infections could also delay the healing process. You may again have to consult your doctor to get this corrected.
