Orthopedic Trauma and Fracture Care
Orthopedic trauma usually occurs as a result of sudden impact or shock from an external force like a car accident or a slip and fall. Traumatic orthopedic injuries are severe injuries to part of the musculoskeletal system such as bones, joints, or ligaments, resulting in bone bruises, fractures, or sprains.
NHRMC Cape Fear Orthopedic Specialty Hospital offers a full-service advanced facility dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including subspeciality treatment in orthopaedic trauma and fracture care.
Orthopedic specialists offer a range of surgical and non-surgical options to treat traumatic orthopedic injuries in order to help patients return to normal, everyday activities.
Traumatic Orthopedic Injuries
Car accidents, slips and falls, and industrial accidents are common causes of traumatic orthopedic injuries. These Injuries include fractures of bones, dislocations of joints, and tears of ligaments. Untreated orthopedic trauma in the joints, most importantly the ankle, knee, shoulder, and hip joints, can lead to early onset arthritis.
Traumatic orthopedic injuries orthopedic specialists treat include:
- Fractures, stress fractures, and unhealed fractures
- Dislocations of the upper and lower extremities
- Lacerations
- Punctures
- Sprains
- Tendon Ruptures
- Torn Ligaments
- Foreign bodies
- Severe soft tissue injuries
- Fracture complications such as mal-union (healed fracture in the wrong position) and non-union (unhealed fractures)
Diagnosing Orthopedic Trauma
Traumatic orthopedic injuries are usually painful and the result of a traumatic event. If the injury is caused by trauma such as a car accident, the patient may not be conscious and may have other injuries. Emergency medical personnel will perform a thorough history and physical in order to address the injuries at a hand. X-rays and CT scans are utilized to diagnose a fracture if one is present.
NHRMC Health and Diagnostics offers advanced imaging services at New Hanover Regional Medical Center and the Orthopedic Specialty Hospital, as well as through outpatient locations around the region.
Diagnostic radiology services include CT scans, diagnostic x-rays, fluoroscopic procedures, ultrasound, and MRI.
Non-Operative Treatment of Traumatic Orthopedic Injuries
Orthopedic specialists will first determine whether there are ways to help reduce pain and restore function before recommending surgery.
Non-surgical treatment of traumatic orthopedic injuries include splinting of injuries, activity restriction, rehabilitation or physical therapy, and rest.
Surgical Treatment of Traumatic Orthopedic Injuries
When orthopedic injuries are severe and non-surgical methods are not an option, an orthopedic specialist can provide you with surgical options that best meet your individual needs.
Surgical options for complex musculoskeletal injuries may include treatment with plates, screws, and titanium rods. These are all designed to keep the bones aligned in the correct position while the body heals the broken bone.
NHRMC offers minimally invasive fracture surgery, corrective osteotomies for malunions (long bones and pelvic osteotomies), treatment of nonunions, and correction of bone defects.
NHRMC Orthopedic Specialty Hospital
Orthopedic surgeries at NHRMC Orthopedic Specialty Hospital are performed in a stand-alone dedicated facility in which staff is entirely focused on your orthopedic care. The largest orthopedic program in Eastern North Carolina, NHRMC Orthopedic Specialty Hospital offers eight operating rooms and a pre-op clinic outfitted specifically for orthopedic care, advanced imaging and diagnostic equipment, surgical suites, and rehabilitation services.
New Hanover Regional Medical Center also offers specialized rehabilitation services at the NHRMC Rehabilitation Hospital and two outpatient centers, Oleander Rehabilitation and Independence Rehabilitation.
Finding an Orthopedic Specialist
26 board-certified or board-eligible orthopedic surgeons are on the medical staff at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. The practices have office locations Wilmington, Burgaw, Jacksonville, Leland, Porters Neck, and Whiteville to better serve people throughout southeastern North Carolina.
Visit our Physician Directory to find an orthopedic physician who specializes in shoulder and elbow conditions and care.
Recovery
Our commitment to exceptional orthopedic care continues after surgery with specialized services to ensure a smooth transition to full recovery. Therapists with NHRMC Rehabilitation Services start working with patients before they leave the hospital and are available to assist with ongoing, outpatient therapy after discharge from the hospital.
If Home Care services are needed, NHRMC staff will work with you to set up visits with the home care agency of your choice, including NHRMC Home Care, an affiliate of New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
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