Orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists diagnose and treat severe and complex musculoskeletal injuries (injuries to the skeleton and surrounding muscles and joints). These injuries are initially evaluated using a variety of diagnostic tools. Then, a treatment plan is developed and implemented which may include: non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and/or physical therapy. If hospitalization is required for a surgical procedure, our physicians perform most of their surgeries at our five Steward acute care hospitals along the Wasatch front.
Our physicians have a long history of treating acute injuries. They understand how traumatic this experience can be for you and your loved ones. We work closely with the patient, family and our support staff, to provide the critical care needed and to lessen the stress that comes with an acute injury.
Fractures are typically categorized into three areas:
- A pathologic injury where the bone is weakened abnormally by osteoporosis, tumors or infections
- Stress injury brought out by repetitive trauma to the bone – not sudden but gradually gets worse over time. Commonly seen in the knee and shoulder area.
- High energy injury – or a major force acting on the bone – Sports injury, car accident, falls, etc.
We treat the following types of acute injuries:
- Ankle fractures
- Femur (thighbone) and tibial fractures
- Hand and upper extremity fractures
- Hip fractures and dislocations
- Multiple and complex fractures
Because a broken bone is so painful, most people will seek emergency care right away. However sometimes a person can still use a fractured limb – just because you can walk on it or use it, does not mean that you don’t have a fracture. A medical exam and x-rays are typically used for a precise diagnosis that will help ensure proper treatment. If you suspect a broken bone, the most important thing to do first is stabilize the limb. Try not to move it, apply ice, and call for medical attention immediately.
Fractures and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis or “porous bone” is a disease of the skeletal system in which a person suffers from low bone mass or bone tissue deterioration that can lead to an increase risk of broken bones and bone fractures. Considered a major public health threat, osteoporosis affects approximately 44 million people in the U.S., 55% of which are 50 years of age and older. Ten million individuals already have the disease, while almost 34 million suffer from low bone mass.
While osteoporosis is often thought of as an older person’s disease, it can strike at any age. Are you at risk? To help you determine if you are at risk, please click the link below to complete our online questionnaire and a healthcare professional will contact you.
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