What does an orthopaedic trauma surgeon do?

Our orthopaedic trauma surgeons at Victorian Bone and Joint specialists specialise in the treatment of complex fractures, broken bones, cuts, and other injuries that have occurred as a result of traumatic events.

What are some examples of trauma injuries treatment?

All patients are different. Some may need surgery for trauma while others may just need rehabilitation. At Victorian Bone and Joint Specialists, we can work with you to tailor a trauma injuries treatment plan designed specifically for you. We'll take into account your symptoms and underlying diagnosis, activity levels, and age. Please call our orthopaedic trauma surgeons to arrange a consultation so that we can get you on the pathway to recovery.

What are the most common orthopaedic injuries?

The most common orthopaedic injuries are dislocations, fractures, tendon injuries, impingement, overuse injuries and sprains.

What is considered a trauma injury?

A trauma injury relates to any physical injury, which may be minor, serious, life-threatening or potentially life-threatening. They may be the result of blunt or penetrating injuries, and include vehicle collisions, sports injuries, falls, and other physical injuries that can occur in the home, at work, or on the street. The defining feature of a trauma injury is that it requires immediate care.

General Post-Operative Information

7 Dec

Written By Bryn Gilbertson

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What to Expect

After surgery, there is a variable amount of pain and swelling, often depending on how much surgery was done. This usually diminishes after several days. It is helpful to keep the leg or arm elevated above your heart and to apply ice regularly.

What to Report Immediately

Signs and symptoms to report:

Persistent fever
Sudden increase in pain or swelling
Wound redness, drainage, or increased skin temperature around the incision
Increasing numbness
Deep calf pain and/or swelling
Shortness of breath

Wound Care

You may de-bulk the dressings (if there is a bandage) by taking off the bandages and leaving the waterproof dressings underneath intact at 3 days.
Keep dressings intact for two weeks till review unless there is strikethrough of considerable amount of blood or ooze.
You may shower in 3 days with the incision covered. Keep it clean and dry.
Do not get into a tub or pool until after your post op review with your specialist.

Icing

It is recommended that you ice your surgery site. Ice in a bag with cloth covering can be used fairly consistently for the first 24 to 48 hours to help diminish the swelling.
After the 48 hour period, if it is comfortable for you, you may apply ice packs to the hip 3-4 times per day for 30 minutes until swelling is resolved.

Crutches and Mobility

You may require crutches or upper limb immobilization such as a sling
Non weight bearing is no weight at all through you affected leg
Touch weight bearing, is toe touching the ground only (imagine you are walking on an egg shell)
Partial weight bearing is usually 1/6 of your body weight
Full weight bearing is usually with or without crutches.

Physiotherapy

This is highly variable and depends upon the surgery undertaken and the rehabilitation protocol we would like you to follow
You may wish to set up an appointment with physiotherapy in advance (2-3 sessions/wk)
For the first two weeks until formal physical therapy, you may do the exercises advised by your specialist and your physiotherapist:
- No weight lifting or water therapy during first two weeks.
- If an exercise is painful, stop doing it or do it within the limits of motion that is not painful.
- Major therapy gains are not achieved during the first two weeks. This is mainly a recuperative period.

Pain Control

You will be prescribed a specific pain control regime by your surgeon and your anaesthetist depending upon the operation performed.
Use the medicine as prescribed and do not drive, drink alcohol, or perform duties that require concentration (i.e. School or work) while on the narcotic medication.
If the pain control is ineffective or causing side effects please contact your surgeon or your anaesthetist to discuss.

Driving

You may not drive at least until your post-op visit, or as directed

When Can I Return to Work?

This depends upon the type of work that you do and the surgery that you are having.
Most surgeries will require at least 2 weeks leave from work or school.
Please discuss this in further depth with your surgeon during your consultation

Who to Call

If you have any problems please call our office on 03 57525020 or 1300 bone joint (1300 266 366)

Bryn Gilbertson