Post-Traumatic Orthopaedic Conditions

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report

UT Southwestern Medical Center has earned a "High Performing" rating from U.S. News & World Report for orthopaedic care, placing us among the nation’s leading hospitals in this area of care.

UT Southwestern Medical Center’s orthopaedic medicine physicians expertly treat patients with a wide range of post-traumatic orthopaedic conditions. When necessary, they partner with their UT Southwestern colleagues from other disciplines to provide comprehensive care.

A Unique Level of Orthopaedic Experience

People who suffer bone fractures and other types of orthopaedic trauma occasionally develop complications related to those injuries.

Post-traumatic orthopaedic conditions can include malunions and nonunions – previous fractures that don’t heal properly or at all – as well as damage to cartilage, muscles, tendons, and nerves. These conditions also include infections such as osteomyelitis and MRSA, nerve damage, Ganglion cysts, and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Our board-certified orthopaedic surgeons have a depth of experience that is unique to North Texas. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care for patients suffering from post-traumatic orthopaedic conditions, using the newest and most effective techniques and technologies to ensure that each patient achieves the best outcome possible.

Post-Traumatic Orthopaedic Symptoms

Depending on the condition, people who develop post-traumatic orthopaedic complications can experience a variety of symptoms, such as:

• Fever
• Limited function
• Pain
• Swelling
• Tenderness

Patients who experience these symptoms or think they might have developed an orthopaedic complication after an injury should seek prompt evaluation by an orthopaedic specialist.

Post-Traumatic Orthopaedic Diagnosis

Post-traumatic orthopaedic conditions typically are diagnosed with a combination of a physical examination and diagnostic imaging, such as:

• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• X-rays

Depending on the suspected condition, we might use other diagnostic testing instead of, or in addition to, these tests. Identifying a bone infection, for instance, calls for blood work, while diagnosing a compressed nerve might require a nerve-blocking injection.

Post-Traumatic Orthopaedic Treatments

Post-traumatic orthopaedic conditions can be treated both surgically and nonsurgically, depending on the condition.

Malunions and nonunions often are treated with surgery, for example, while infections might be treated with antibiotics, and arthritis with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Many patients with orthopaedic complications can benefit from working with our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation team.

Regardless of the condition, our physicians are committed to delivering personalized, evidence-based care for every patient.