Trauma Care

Trauma Care for Fractures and Complex Injuries

Fractures and dislocations can occur due to falls, accidents or sports-related trauma, and can range from simple, stable breaks to complex injuries involving multiple bones or joint surfaces. Timely evaluation is important to assess the extent of the injury and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Trauma care covers a range of treatment options, from non-surgical management such as casting, splinting or bracing, to surgical fixation for fractures that require realignment and stabilisation. Treatment decisions are based on the type, location and severity of the injury, along with your overall health.

As an orthopedic surgeon experienced in trauma care, Dr. Manu Gautam focuses on assessing the full extent of your injury before recommending a treatment approach, whether non-surgical or surgical.

Trauma care treatment decisions are based on the type, location and severity of the fracture or injury, along with your overall health and functional needs.

What Does Trauma Care Involve?

A fracture is a break in a bone, which can range from a small crack to a complete break, sometimes involving multiple fragments. Dislocations occur when the bones forming a joint are forced out of their normal position. Both types of injury can cause pain, swelling, deformity and difficulty moving the affected area.

Treatment for fractures and dislocations depends on factors such as the location and pattern of the injury, whether the bone is displaced, and whether nearby joints, nerves or blood vessels are affected. Some fractures can be treated with casting or splinting to allow the bone to heal in proper alignment, while others require surgical fixation using plates, screws or rods to stabilise the bone.

The overall aim of trauma care is to restore proper alignment, support healing, and help you regain function of the injured area. Your orthopedic surgeon will recommend treatment based on a thorough evaluation of your specific injury, including examination and imaging.

Seek prompt orthopedic evaluation for any suspected fracture or dislocation, particularly if you notice visible deformity, are unable to bear weight or move the affected area, or if pain and swelling are severe. Early assessment helps guide the most appropriate treatment.

Suitability for surgical treatment of a fracture or dislocation depends on factors such as the degree of displacement, whether a joint surface is involved, the stability of the injury, and whether nearby nerves, blood vessels or soft tissue are affected. Your surgeon will assess these factors through examination and imaging.

Diagnosis begins with a physical examination to assess pain, deformity, swelling and movement of the affected area. X-rays are typically used to evaluate the fracture or dislocation, with additional imaging such as CT scans recommended in more complex cases.

Surgical treatment may be considered when a fracture is significantly displaced, involves a joint surface, is unstable, or has not healed properly with non-surgical treatment. Dislocations involving associated injury to surrounding structures may also require surgical evaluation. Your orthopedic surgeon will recommend surgery only after a detailed examination and discussion of the available options.

Surgical Preparation

Before surgery, preoperative checks are carried out, including relevant blood tests and an anaesthesia assessment, alongside a review of your imaging and surgical plan.

Fracture Realignment

The fractured bone is carefully realigned to restore its normal position, using techniques suited to the specific fracture pattern.

Fixation of the Fracture

Plates, screws, rods or other fixation devices may be used to stabilise the bone in its corrected position while it heals.

Alignment and Stability Assessment

The alignment and stability of the fixed bone are assessed during the procedure to help confirm that the intended surgical outcome has been achieved.

Postoperative Monitoring

After surgery, you are closely observed as part of your recovery, with attention to pain management and guidance for initial, supervised movement.

Depending on the fracture or injury, imaging-guided techniques and fixation devices suited to the specific bone and fracture pattern may be used to support precision during treatment. Your surgeon will explain the approach most appropriate for your injury during your consultation.

For planned trauma surgery, the following general guidance can help you prepare, alongside your doctor's individual instructions:

• Share your complete medical history with your surgeon
• Inform the doctor about current medicines you are taking
• Complete the recommended medical tests and imaging before surgery
• Follow instructions regarding blood-thinning medicines
• Arrange family or caregiver support for your recovery period
• Follow preoperative fasting instructions given by your care team
• Understand physiotherapy and rehabilitation requirements in advance

Physiotherapy plays an important role in recovery after a fracture or dislocation, once initial healing has progressed sufficiently. Your rehabilitation plan may include guided exercises to restore strength, movement and function in the affected area, tailored to your individual recovery.