What is Orthopaedic Trauma?

Orthopaedic trauma refers to any injury to the musculoskeletal system caused by external force. This may include:

• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations
• Ligament or tendon injuries
• Open (compound) fractures
• Polytrauma – where multiple injuries occur simultaneously

Prompt and expert treatment is vital to restore function, reduce pain, prevent complications, and support long-term recovery.

Common Causes of Trauma

Orthopaedic trauma can result from a variety of incidents, including:

• Road traffic accidents (RTAs)
• Sports injuries
• Workplace accidents
• Falls from height
• Assault or blunt force trauma

The severity of injury can vary significantly—from relatively minor fractures to complex injuries requiring multidisciplinary care and staged surgeries.

How is Orthopaedic Trauma Treated?

Treatment depends on the type and severity of injury, but typically includes:

• Initial assessment and stabilisation
• X-rays, CT, or MRI scans to determine injury extent
• Non-operative management (e.g. splinting, casting) for minor injuries
• Surgical fixation for complex or displaced fractures
• Follow-up care and rehabilitation to restore function and mobility

Professor Ghoz uses the latest techniques in trauma surgery, including minimally invasive fixation, biological reconstruction, and advanced trauma implants, to achieve optimal outcomes for patients.

Why Choose Specialist Trauma Care?

Choosing an experienced orthopaedic trauma surgeon ensures:

• Rapid and accurate diagnosis
• Expertise in managing both simple and complex injuries
• Tailored treatment plans for optimal recovery
• Minimised risk of long-term complications, such as stiffness, deformity or arthritis

Professor Ali Ghoz is highly experienced in managing acute trauma cases, often treating patients with high-energy injuries or complex fractures that require specialist care.

When Should You Seek Help?

You should seek urgent orthopaedic advice if you experience:

• Severe pain or deformity following an injury
• Inability to bear weight or move the limb
• Open wounds or exposed bone
• Signs of infection after injury or surgery
• Delayed healing or persistent pain after initial treatment elsewhere

Early, expert care improves the chances of a successful recovery and can prevent complications.

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Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, often resulting from trauma, overuse, or sudden movements.

Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness
• Swelling and bruising
• Limited range of motion
• Muscle spasms or weakness

Treatment

• Rest and immobilisation
• Ice therapy
• Medications: Pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs
• Physical therapy: Strengthening and flexibility exercises
• Surgery: For severe injuries like complete tendon tears

Recovery

Recovery time varies but generally ranges from a few days to several months, depending on the severity of the injury.

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Dislocations occur when bones are forced out of their normal positions, often due to trauma or accidents.

Symptoms

• Severe pain
• Swelling and bruising
• Inability to move the joint
• Deformity or visibly out-of-place joint

Treatment

• Reduction: Manually repositioning the bone back into place.
• Immobilisation: Using splints or braces to keep the joint stable during healing.
• Medications: Pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Surgery: In cases of severe or recurrent dislocations.

Recovery

Recovery time varies but generally ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the dislocation.

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Labral tears involve damage to the ring of cartilage (labrum) that surrounds the hip socket, often due to injury or overuse.

Symptoms

• Pain in the hip or groin
• Clicking or locking sensation
• Limited range of motion

Treatment

• Medications: Pain management
• Physical therapy
• Surgery: Hip arthroscopy to repair or remove the torn labrum

Recovery

Recovery from surgery can take several months, with physical therapy essential for regaining full function.

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Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition where the hip joint is abnormally developed, leading to instability and potential dislocation.

Symptoms

• Hip instability in infants
• Uneven leg lengths
• Limited range of motion
• Limping in older children

Treatment

• Bracing: Pavlik harness for infants
• Surgery: Closed or open reduction, osteotomy
• Physical therapy

Recovery

Early treatment typically results in a full recovery. Surgical recovery varies but generally requires several weeks to months of rehabilitation.

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Fractures are breaks in the bones that can occur in various parts of the body, including the foot, ankle, hip, and around joint replacements. Fractures can result from trauma, falls, or excessive stress on the bones.

Symptoms

• Severe pain at the site of the fracture
• Swelling and bruising
• Inability to bear weight or move the affected area
• Deformity or visible misalignment of the bone

Treatment

• Immobilisation: Using casts, splints, or braces to keep the bone in place during healing.
• Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain and reduce swelling.
• Surgery: In cases of displaced or complex fractures, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign and stabilise the bones using screws, plates, or rods.
• Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and mobility after immobilisation or surgery.

Recovery

Recovery time varies depending on the location and severity of the fracture. Generally, it takes several weeks to a few months for fractures to heal. Physical therapy is often required to restore full function and strength to the affected area.

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Avascular necrosis, also known as osteonecrosis, is the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. This condition commonly affects the hip and knee, leading to joint pain and dysfunction. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe joint damage.

Symptoms

• Gradual onset of pain in the affected joint
• Limited range of motion
• Joint stiffness and swelling
• Pain that worsens with weight-bearing activities

Treatment

• Medications: Pain management and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve joint function and reduce pain.
• Lifestyle Changes: Reducing weight-bearing activities and avoiding alcohol and corticosteroids, which can exacerbate the condition.
• Surgery: Options include core decompression, bone grafts, or joint replacement surgery (hip or knee replacement) to restore joint function and alleviate pain.

Recovery

Recovery depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach. Early interventions can lead to a quicker recovery, while surgical treatments may require several months of rehabilitation and physical therapy to achieve full recovery.

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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, including the hip and knee. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium (lining of the joints), leading to pain, swelling, and joint damage.

Symptoms

• Persistent joint pain and swelling
• Morning stiffness
• Fatigue and general malaise
• Deformed joints in advanced stages

Treatment

• Medications: Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics to slow disease progression and manage symptoms.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quitting smoking.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
• Surgery: Joint replacement surgery (hip or knee replacement) for severe cases with significant joint damage.

Recovery

Management focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing joint damage. Surgical recovery involves several months of physical therapy and rehabilitation to restore joint function and mobility.

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Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage within joints, including the hip and knee. Over time, the cartilage wears away, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This condition is common in older adults and can significantly impact daily activities.

Symptoms

• Joint pain, especially during movement
• Stiffness after periods of inactivity
• Reduced range of motion
• Swelling and tenderness
• Clicking or popping sounds

Treatment

• Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles around the joint and improve flexibility.
• Lifestyle Changes: Weight management, low-impact exercises, and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms.
• Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts or knee braces to support and stabilise the joint.
• Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Surgery: In severe cases, joint replacement surgery (hip or knee replacement) may be necessary to replace the damaged joint with a prosthesis.

Recovery

Non-surgical treatments can provide relief within weeks to months. Surgical recovery, such as from hip or knee replacement, typically takes 3-6 months. Physical therapy is essential for regaining strength and mobility after surgery.

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