Patients with severe musculoskeletal injuries that need immediate treatment may best be served by an orthopedic trauma doctor. An orthopedic trauma doctor is a medical expert usually found working in hospital emergency rooms along with ER doctors. However, they can also be in private practice. The goal of an orthopedic trauma doctor is to save the patient’s life and limb, make sure their injuries heal properly without incident.
What is an Orthopedic Trauma Doctor?
Also called an orthopedic trauma surgeon, these doctors specialize in the surgical treatment of patients with minor to major physical trauma due to sports or vehicular accidents, natural disasters, or crime and abuse. An orthopedic trauma doctor is trained and experienced in the immediate evaluation of what the patient needs and can quickly and safely perform the necessary surgery. A patient with severe physical trauma may have multiple injuries, in which case, the orthopedic trauma doctor knows which injury to treat first for the best possible results.
Examples of treatments and procedures that orthopedic trauma doctors perform include:
- Open and close fracture treatment
- Bone and joint transplant
- Bone grafting
- Minimally-invasive fracture repair
- Soft tissue repair
- Reconstruction surgeries
- Treatment of malunion and union fractures
- Bone infection treatment
Orthopedic trauma doctors provide care to patients even after surgery. They make sure that the bones and soft tissues heal properly by closely monitoring the patient’s recovery.
When Is It Time to See an Orthopedic Trauma Doctor?
If you have sustained an injury from playing sports, a fall or a vehicular accident, a natural disaster, or have been a victim of a crime or domestic abuse, it is recommended that you see an orthopedic trauma doctor.
Here are signs that you need an orthopedic trauma specialist for your condition following a traumatic event or incident:
- Severe pain
- Bleeding
- Bone piercing through the skin
- Joint deformity
- Loss of range of motion
- Inability to get up or walk
An orthopedic trauma doctor is a seasoned expert in treating severe traumatic injuries. A primary care doctor or urgent care clinic may be able to provide first aid treatment, but they do not have advanced knowledge of the musculoskeletal system. Ask that your doctor refer you to an orthopedic trauma doctor for comprehensive trauma care or simply go to an orthopedic trauma doctor yourself. Finding the right doctor to treat your injury is one of the most important things you could do.
Orthopedic Trauma Doctor in Westlake and Avon, OH
Our orthopedic trauma surgeons at Orthopaedic Associates, Inc. have the specialized training and experience needed to diagnose and treat complex fractures and traumatic injuries. Dr. Steven Cotman specializes in adult trauma and Dr. Joseph M. Lowry specializes in adult and pediatric trauma. We aim to provide for your entire family’s orthopedic needs, and we are proud to serve the entire Cleveland area.
If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cotman or Dr. Lowry, call our clinic at (440) 892-1440 or use our convenient online form to send a request.
