Trauma and Fracture Care

Fractures result from trauma to the bone that is in excess of what the bone can tolerate. The causative trauma can be low impact if the bone is weak, such as in patients with osteoporosis.

A fracture can be the culmination of repetitive trauma or overuse, commonly referred to as stress fractures. Lastly, fractures come about as a result of high impact events such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, or athletic events.

When do we need QOSC?

• When one has a broken bone – A visibly out-of-place or misshapen limb or joint, broken skin with bone protruding, limited mobility or inability to move a limb, numbness, intense pain, swelling, bruising or bleeding.
• When one has a Colles’ wrist fracture- Change in the shape or angle of the forearm just above the wrist, inability to hold or lift heavy objects, wrist pain and swelling above the wrist.
• When one has a complex long bone fracture (i.e. femur, tibia, humerus).
• When one has Malunions — bones that heal improperly.
• When one has Nonunions — bones that do not heal.
• When one has a Pelvic and hip socket fracture.
• When one has severe fractures of the upper and lower extremities including open and complex injuries surrounding the joint.
• When one has spinal fractures.

What can QOSC offer?

The goal of treatment of fractures by our physicians is to allow fracture healing while maintaining the form and function of the bone and the surrounding structures. Treatment of the fracture is dependent on the severity of the fracture, which bone is broken, and most importantly the status of the patient.

Our surgeons will determine if the fracture needs to be reduced (straightened out). The fracture may be treated in a splint, cast, or brace. In many instances the best way to optimally achieve treatment goals is to treat the fracture by surgery to straighten the bone and possibly insert pins, plates, screws, or rods. After the fracture heals it is imperative that the injured extremity is fully rehabilitated, which means it is returned to normal function, size, and strength. Our physical therapists are often times involved in this process that is coordinated by our doctors.