SERVICES
GENERAL ORTHOPAEDIC TRAUMA SURGERY
General orthopaedic trauma refers to the assessment and treatment of acute injuries to the bones, joints, and surrounding soft tissues — most commonly fractures, dislocations, and ligament or tendon injuries. These injuries often occur suddenly, whether through falls, sports, or accidents, and require timely evaluation and appropriate management to ensure the best possible outcome.
The goal of trauma surgery is to restore anatomy, stability, and function while minimising complications such as malunion, non-union, and long-term disability.
Hip Arthroplasty for Hip Fracture
Hip replacement is a well-established surgical option for certain types of hip fractures, particularly in elderly patients. While often performed electively for arthritis, it is frequently indicated for displaced femoral neck fractures. Alternatively, hip pinning or internal fixation may be used, employing screws, plates, or intramedullary nails (femoral nails) to stabilise the fracture.
The choice of procedure depends on:
Patient age and functional demand
Bone quality (e.g. osteoporosis)
Fracture pattern and degree of displacement
Surgery for Fractures of the Lower Limb
Lower limb fractures involve bones such as the femur, tibia, fibula, and foot. These injuries are commonly caused by motor vehicle accidents, falls (especially in elderly patients), sports injuries, and high-energy trauma.
Surgical techniques include:
Intramedullary nailing (e.g. tibial or femoral nails)
Plate and screw fixation
External fixation (in severe or open injuries)
The aim is to restore alignment, maintain limb length, and allow early mobilisation.
Surgery for Fractures of the Upper Limb
Upper limb fractures include injuries to the humerus, radius, ulna, and hand, which may significantly impair function if not properly treated. Surgical management may involve ORIF with plates and screws, intramedullary fixation, or percutaneous pinning. Early restoration of movement is particularly important in the upper limb to prevent stiffness.
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)
ORIF is a cornerstone of orthopaedic trauma surgery, used for displaced or unstable fractures where anatomical alignment is essential. The procedure involves:
- Open reduction — surgically exposing and realigning the fracture
- Internal fixation — stabilising the bone using plates, screws, or rods
Tendon Injuries (e.g. Achilles Tendon Rupture)
Tendon injuries around the foot and ankle are common, particularly the Achilles tendon. Management options include non-operative functional rehabilitation and surgical repair (open or minimally invasive). The goal is to restore tendon continuity and strength while minimising the risk of re-rupture.
Open Fractures and Soft Tissue Trauma
Open fractures occur when bone is exposed through the skin and represent an orthopaedic emergency. Management principles include urgent surgical debridement, antibiotic therapy, and stabilisation (often with external fixation initially). Soft tissue management is critical to reduce infection risk and ensure healing.
1How long does trauma surgery last?
Depending on the nature of the injury and the extent of the procedure being carried out, the length of trauma surgery might vary substantially. Minor operations like removing a small foreign body or realigning a straightforward fracture could only take a few hours. More complex procedures, including spinal fusion or the restoration of a badly damaged organ, can take a full day or longer for Dr Oosthuysen to perform.
2How long does recovery from trauma surgery take?
Depending on the treatment and the particular patient, recovery following trauma surgery varies. While some patients may be able to resume their regular activities within a few weeks, others might need several months of recovery and rehabilitation.
