Orthopaedic injuries can be found in the form of fractures, sprains, strains, dislocation and/or separations. Some orthopedic injuries can heal on their own with time, rest and medication. Some more severe injuries, like tears, dislocations and fractures will require surgery.
Healing on its own versus surgery depends on the location, nature and severity of the injury. While immobilization (such as use of casts, braces or splints) can heal less severe fractures, sometime implants are needed to reconstruct or strengthen bones and/or joints that have been extremely damaged.
Fractures
A fracture is a break in a bone in the arm, hand, foot, leg, spine or other body part. Fractures usually results from a hard hit or blow to the affected area. Fractures require an x-ray to determine severity, proper diagnosis and treatment. Fractures can cause weakening of the bone and need a proper path for healing to regain strength. An orthopaedic specialist will determine that path upon results from x-rays and consultation with the patient.
Sprains
A sprain is an injury to a joint, such as the shoulder, wrist, elbow, knee or ankle. Our orthopaedic doctor can properly diagnose how damaged or “stretched” one or more of the ligaments (or tissue that connects the bone to a joint) is. This can be done with or without an x-ray and is usually determined by range of motion, severity of pain and conversations with the patient on their history.
Some sprains heal on their own. More severe sprains require surgery for pain relief and long-term results. It is hard to determine whether yours will or will not require surgery without a full consultation and exam from one of our orthopaedic surgeons.
Dislocations or Separations
These are “misalignments” of bones that usually result in an accident or other trauma. Many times, a fracture also occurs. A tearing of the muscles or ligaments in the shoulder, knee, hip or other joint needs immediate orthopaedic attention for a treatment plan. Surgery is many times required to reconnect torn tissue and best long-term results.
Ortho El Paso’s board certified orthopaedic surgeons believe in “surgery as a last resort” treatment for patients. If surgery is required, Drs. Jason Vourazeris and Justin S. Mitchell are expertly trained in minimally invasive surgical procedures, followed up by state of the art recommendations for ongoing care and therapies to help patients heal faster, better and with less pain.
For a consulation, call Ortho El Paso at 915-249-4000 or visit us at www.orthoep.com for more information on our orthopaedic practice.
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