Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery
Orthopaedic trauma refers to serious damage to the skeletal or muscular system and is most typically caused by a car accident or a fall. It can also be the result of overuse such as long distance running, where the lower leg develops small hairline fractures.
Orthopaedic trauma includes a whole range of injuries, from simple fractures to life-threatening injuries. Dr Ambikaipalan will assess your injuries and decide on the most appropriate treatment. This may involve surgery in the case of severe trauma, and for less serious treatments it may involve non-surgical treatment such as physical therapy, an arm sling or a splint.
Whatever the trauma, Dr Ambikaipalan aims to treat your injury and restore function as quickly as possible.
More information about Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery
What are the most common causes of Orthopaedic Trauma?
The most common traumatic orthopaedic injuries Dr Ambikaipalan sees are caused by:
Car or motorbike accidents
Falls
Sports injury
What trauma injuries does Dr Ambikaipalan treat?
Dr Ambikaipalan treats a range of trauma injuries of the upper extremities of the body (wrist, forearm, elbow, shoulder, upper arm) and lower extremities of the body (foot, ankle, leg, knee, thigh, hip, pelvis). These injuries include:
Simple and complex bone or joint fractures
Dislocations
Ligament, muscle, and/or tendon damage
Torn meniscus (knee cartilage)
Acute carpal tunnel syndrome (pressure on the nerve in the wrist)
What is involved in orthopaedic trauma surgery?
The nature of the surgery will depend on the type of injury and the extent of the injury. In cases of severe trauma, such as a life-threatening accident, you will be transported to hospital, where Dr Ambikaipalan will assess your injuries.
The aim of surgical treatment is to ensure a complete recovery and restore function. You may need joints to be realigned, fractured bones to be set, or soft tissue to be repaired. Orthopaedic trauma injuries require specialist treatment, and Dr Ambikaipalan will ensure you receive the best possible treatment.
Where will my surgery take place?
Your surgery will be performed by Dr Ambikaipalan under general anaesthetic at the Royal Melbourne Hospital or the Epworth Hospital Richcmond.
What will my recovery be like following orthopaedic trauma surgery?
Recovery will depend on the nature and extent of your injuries. Recovery will also depend on your age and general health.
Dr Ambikaipalan will provide you with a clear post-operative plan for optimal post-op recovery, including pain management, wound care, and rehabilitation.
What are the risks of orthopaedic trauma surgery?
Any surgery comes with potential risks, and the more severe the trauma the more risk and/or complications that may occur during or after surgery. Infection or dislocation may occur, requiring further surgery, which would expose you to more surgical risks and a longer recovery time. Dr Ambikaipalan will discuss any potential risks with you at your consultation.