Trauma covers severe and sometimes life-threatening injuries caused by sudden impact to the body cause by for example accidents and falls, and blunt force trauma to the body, which can cause bone fractures and dislocations, soft tissue injury and infections.
The following is an overview of procedures and treatments carried out by Dr Moopanar for traumatic injuries and infections.
Fracture fixation
Where there is anything other than a 'simple' fracture, bones need to be re-aligned – that is put back into the correct position – and stabilised. This is what is referred to by the medical term 'reduction'. This can be achieved without surgery (i.e. via a 'closed' approach) or using surgery (an 'open' approach).
Read more about fracture fixation
Joint stabilisation
Musculoskeletal tissue such as muscles, ligaments and tendons around a joint support and stabilise a joint and allow it to function within its specific range of movement. When trauma (such as a fall or a blow) forces a joint out of its normal range of movement, anything from minor damage to soft tissue to joint dislocation or bone fracture can occur. Treatment to ensure joint stabilisation is then required.
Read more about joint stabilisation
Management of infections
Infections, particularly those that are transmitted via an open wound injury or that develop after surgery, can cause serious problems, which is why medical professionals are not only very careful to prevent any infection from taking hold but are also on the lookout for any early symptoms of infection, especially after surgery.
Read more about management of infections
Soft tissue management
Soft tissue injuries are any injuries to muscles, tendons and ligaments. Anyone suffering soft tissue injury, unless it is superficial, is advised to seek medical attention to make sure that there has not been either a joint dislocation or bone fracture, in which cases these will need to be treated first.
Read more about soft tissue management
Complex trauma
Complex trauma (also referred to as 'polytrauma' or 'multiple trauma') describes situations where a person has sustained multiple and possibly life-threatening injuries. The most common scenario in civilian life is a motor vehicle accident, but injuries from blasts, falls from heights and injuries sustained during natural disasters are other examples of causes of multiple trauma.