Trauma surgery
What is trauma?
Trauma refers to physical and emotional injuries that can negatively impact the body. Orthopaedic trauma is a form of physical trauma that causes damage to the bones and other tissues of the body.
Orthopaedic trauma can affect all the joints of the body, but most commonly occurs in the knees, hips, shoulder, elbow and hands. These areas of the body are commonly exposed to strenuous physical activity or dangerous environments, especially among athletes and those who work in industrial settings.
Causes of orthopaedic trauma include:
- car accidents
- sporting accidents
- falling
- twisting the ankle
- physical altercations
There are various surgical options that can help treat and repair trauma of the bones and the soft tissues that connect them, depending on how severe the injuries are. Some symptoms of orthopaedic trauma include:
- pain and swelling
- bruising
- numbness
- weakness in the joints
- exposed bone
- bleeding
- grinding sensation between bones
Read More
How can trauma be treated?
Orthopaedic surgeons such as Dr Oosthuizen can perform a wide range of surgical treatments to repair physical injuries. Arthroscopic techniques are one of the least invasive methods used by Dr Oosthuizen to examine trauma in the hips, knees, hands, elbows and shoulders. Arthroscopic surgery allows Dr Oosthuizen to observe damage in these joints through a tiny camera. Nerves, tendons and ligaments can also be repaired using this minimally invasive technique. In cases where arthroscopic surgery cannot be used, open surgery can be performed to repair damaged bones and other related tissues. In some cases where the bones cannot be repaired, grafting or prosthetic implants may be used to treat traumatic orthopaedic injuries.
What can be expected after surgery?
If you have orthopaedic surgery to repair injuries, you will need to follow Dr Oosthuizen’s advice on rest and recovery. Depending on the type of trauma you suffered, you may need to wear braces to prevent your joints from moving during the first few months after surgery. Once your bones and related tissues have healed enough, you will need to start physical therapy to regain the full use of your limbs. Pain medication, anti-inflammatories, ice packs and crutches may be used throughout this time to help you manage discomfort. Your full recovery will depend on the nature of your surgery, and this can range from anywhere between a few weeks to several months.
Read Less
Trauma surgeons may treat conditions such as diverticulitis, appendicitis, cholecystitis, perforated bowel, perforated ulcer, abdominal abscesses, hernias and bowel obstruction.
A trauma surgeon may perform the following depending on your condition:
- Resuscitation
- Emergency thoracotomy
- Exploratory laparotomy
- Chest wall stabilization
Recovery from a trauma surgery depends on the patient and the severity of the injuries they have sustained.
