Trauma involves some of the most serious and potentially fatal types of musculoskeletal injuries. If you or a loved one suffers a traumatic injury, it’s reassuring to know that Brian Solberg, MD, at LA Orthopaedic Specialists in Downtown Los Angeles, California, has advanced skills in treating trauma patients. Call LA Orthopaedic Specialists today to find out more or book an appointment online.
Trauma occurs when your musculoskeletal system suffers severe injuries. This could happen in a car accident, which is one of the more common causes, but there are numerous other reasons why you might experience trauma. These include:
Trauma usually results in injuries that require immediate medical attention. Trauma injuries can frequently be life-threatening or could lead to severe complications like paralysis or the loss of a limb.
Trauma injuries require expert surgery, as they often involve complex types of fractures or multiple musculoskeletal injuries.
Only 5% of orthopaedic surgeons have specialist trauma training, but Dr. Solberg at LA Orthopaedic Specialists has undergone extensive training and has considerable expertise in carrying out trauma surgery.
In terms of orthopaedic injuries, fractured bones are the most common type of trauma. There are different types of fractures, for example:
Compression fractures happen as a result of crush injuries. The bone looks wider or flatter than it should, due to the weight it’s been under.
With comminuted fractures, there are three or more pieces of fractured bone. The fragments present at the fracture site could be in multiple parts.
Compound fractures are those where a broken bone is protruding through your skin. Open fractures are those where the wound is so deep the bone is visible.
Open, compound fractures are typically highly painful. They’re also more vulnerable to developing an infection, leading to severe long-term complications.
Dr. Solberg at LA Orthopaedic Specialists also has the advanced skills needed to treat some of the most complex fractures, including pelvic ring and acetabulum fractures, nonunion fractures, and malunion fractures.
Serious trauma injuries frequently require surgery. Dr. Solberg might need to perform procedures such as:
He might need to repair the damaged bones using screws, plates, or other kinds of fixtures. Fractures can also cause significant soft tissue damage, which might require the use of a graft or the insertion of an artificial implant.
For more information about the treatment of trauma, call LA Orthopaedic Specialists today or book an appointment online.