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 Pre-Operative Information

7 Dec

Written By Bryn Gilbertson

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Children under 12 Years of Age

Take nothing by mouth after midnight the night before surgery or 6 hours prior to surgery if in the afternoon. This includes not drinking any liquids, eating food, chewing gum etc.
Wear comfortable clothing, preferably a button-down shirt. Bring extra underwear or nappies for young children. If they are taking a bottle, bring one empty bottle and one with their usual formula. It is suggested that you bring a security item with them, such as a favourite toy or blanket.

Adults

Day of Surgery

Take your usual morning blood pressure and heart medicines with a sip of water. Ask your spceicalist or the pre-procedure nurse about any other medications you take.
Do not wear any make-up on your face or around your eyes on the day of surgery.
Do not wear any fingernail polish. If you have acrylic nails, remove the acrylic and polish.
Wear your glasses instead of contacts on the day of surgery. If you must wear your contacts the day of surgery, bring a container for your lenses.
All jewellery must be removed, including all body piercing jewellery.
Wear comfortable clothing, preferably a button-down shirt.

Night Before Surgery

Take nothing by mouth after midnight the night before your surgery or six hours prior to surgery. This includes not drinking any liquids, eating food, chewing gum, having a mint or smoking cigarettes.
Adults can shower or bathe the night before surgery, or on the morning of surgery. Do not swallow any water.
Do not smoke or drink alcohol 24 hours prior to surgery.
Do NOT shave your surgery site

One Week Before Surgery

Avoid non-prescription products containing aspirin and/or aspirin-like compounds. This includes NSAID (anti-inflammatory) analgesics.
Avoid prescription AND non-prescription products containing Ibuprofen.
Avoid prescription AND non-prescription products containing Naproxen sodium
Avoid Vitamin E. We also recommend not taking some natural herbs, such as St. John's Wort, Ginko, Ginger, Biloba and Feverfew.
Panadol products are okay.

General Instructions Before Surgery

Talk with your nurse or anaesthetist about a light breakfast if your surgery is scheduled for later in the day.
If you are having an outpatient procedure, you must arrange for a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you.
You may want to bring pillows or blankets for your trip home.
If you develop a cold, persistent cough, fever or any other health-related problems, or if you need to cancel your surgery, please notify Mr Slattery as soon as possible (greater than 1 week is preferable).
Notify us if you have any abrasions/cuts/rashes/insect bites on your surgical limb prior to surgery.

What to Bring to Hospital

Medicare and Health insurance details
Regular Medications
Toiletries
Mobile Phone charger (labelled)
Clothes/pyjamas (if overnight stay)
Crutches/Walking Frame
Any X Rays or Scans

Bryn Gilbertson