Orthopedic Trauma
WMCHealth leads the region in advanced orthopedic trauma care. Westchester Medical Center, the flagship of the network, is home to the Hudson Valley’s only Level 1 Trauma Center. Practitioners specialize in surgical treatment and intervention for severe musculoskeletal injuries such as complex bone fractures, crush injuries, and spinal trauma. Our attendings are highly specialized academic orthopedic surgeons who train residents and fellows in the management of these complex injuries.
When Is Orthopedic Trauma Care Needed?
Orthopedic trauma care is essential for anyone who has sustained injuries to the musculoskeletal system due to accidents, falls, sports-related incidents, or other traumatic events. Prompt and specialized care is crucial in managing these injuries to prevent long-term complications and promote a healthy recovery. The orthopedic surgeons at WMCHealth may provide care for individuals experiencing any of the following conditions.
- Fractures and dislocations: Fractures, or broken bones, can occur anywhere in the body, including the arms, legs, hips, spine, and pelvis. Dislocations involve the displacement of bones at a joint. These injuries often require immediate medical attention to realign bones, stabilize fractures, and facilitate healing.
- Complex injuries: Orthopedic trauma care is necessary for managing complex injuries that involve multiple fractures, severe soft tissue damage, or injuries to vital structures such as nerves and blood vessels. These injuries may result from high-energy trauma such as motor vehicle accidents, falls from height, or sports injuries.
- Open fractures: Open fractures, also known as compound fractures, occur when the broken bone penetrates the skin, leading to an increased risk of infection. Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent complications such as infection and promote optimal wound healing.
- Traumatic joint injuries: Trauma can cause significant damage to the joints, including the knees, shoulders, elbows, and ankles. Ligament tears, cartilage injuries, and joint dislocations often require specialized orthopedic care to restore stability, function, and mobility.
- Spinal injuries: Traumatic events such as falls or motor vehicle accidents can result in spinal fractures, dislocations, or spinal cord injuries. Prompt evaluation and treatment by orthopedic spine specialists are essential to prevent further damage and minimize neurological deficits.
- Pediatric orthopedic trauma: Children are susceptible to orthopedic injuries due to their active lifestyles and developing bones. Pediatric orthopedic trauma care at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital requires specialized expertise to address growth plate injuries, fractures, and other musculoskeletal conditions unique to children.
- Non-healing fractures: Some fractures may fail to heal properly, leading to delayed union or nonunion. Orthopedic trauma specialists employ advanced techniques such as bone grafting, external fixation, or revision surgery to promote bone healing and restore function.
- Post-traumatic deformities: Untreated or improperly managed orthopedic injuries can result in chronic pain, instability, and deformities. Orthopedic trauma care focuses on correcting these deformities through surgical interventions and rehabilitative therapies.
- Complex limb injuries: Trauma to the limbs can result in severe soft tissue injuries, nerve damage, or vascular compromise. As part of our multidisciplinary approach, orthopedic trauma surgeons collaborate with vascular and plastic surgeons to address these complex limb injuries and restore function.
Orthopedic trauma care is essential for managing a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries resulting from traumatic events. Early intervention, specialized expertise, and comprehensive treatment approaches are vital in ensuring optimal outcomes and restoring your desired quality of life.
Orthopedic Trauma Care Services
Given the wide range of conditions that orthopedic trauma surgeons can treat, the care you may need depends on the condition or injury. WMCHealth’s orthopedic trauma surgeons have extensive experience in a wide range of surgical procedures, including:
- Fracture Fixation:
- Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)
- Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Internal Fixation
- External Fixation
- Joint reconstruction:
- Total joint reconstruction (e.g. partial or total hip, knee, or shoulder reconstructive surgeries)
- Joint fusion (Arthrodesis)
- Cartilage repair or transplantation
- Pathologic fracture surgery: Stabilization and reconstructive surgeries for complex fractures with bone loss due to low or poor bone quality
- Soft tissue repair:
- Tendon repair or reconstruction
- Muscle repair or transfer
- Limb salvage surgery:
- Bone grafting
- Limb lengthening or shortening procedures
- Microvascular surgery for complex injuries
- Revision Surgery:
- Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery:
- Minimally Invasive Surgery:
- Percutaneous Fracture Fixation
- Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
- Trauma Reconstructive Surgery:
- Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defects
- Correction of Post-Traumatic Deformities
- Correction of Traumatic Amputations
Each type of surgery is tailored to address specific orthopedic trauma injuries and aims to restore function, stability, and quality of life for patients.
What to Expect from Orthopedic Trauma Care
Expect prompt evaluation and specialized treatment for fractures, dislocations, and complex musculoskeletal injuries resulting from accidents or trauma. From advanced surgical interventions like fracture fixation and joint reconstruction to comprehensive rehabilitation plans, orthopedic trauma care focuses on restoring function and mobility while minimizing long-term complications. With a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and specialists, expect personalized care tailored to your unique needs, ensuring a smooth journey towards recovery and restored quality of life.
Why Choose WMCHealth?
The orthopedic trauma surgeons at WMCHealth are experts in providing emergent care. As the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center, Westchester Medical Center offers the best orthopedic trauma care – close to home.
Recovery from Orthopedic Trauma Surgery
Recovery from orthopedic trauma surgery involves a comprehensive approach aimed at optimizing healing and restoring function. Expect a personalized rehabilitation program tailored to your specific injury, encompassing physical therapy, pain management, and gradual return to activities. Your WMCHealth orthopedic team will closely monitor your progress, providing support and guidance every step of the way to ensure a smooth recovery. With dedication to rehabilitation and adherence to post-operative instructions, expect to regain mobility, strength, and independence, ultimately achieving a full return to your daily activities and lifestyle.
What to Do Next
If you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic orthopedic injury, the orthopedic surgeons at WMCHealth are here to provide comprehensive care, from surgery through rehabilitation and recovery. Our focus on excellence ensures you receive the advanced care you need right here in your own backyard.
Our Providers
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery of the Spine