General traumatology in Barranquilla, Colombia

What is traumatology?

It is the area of orthopedics that treats injuries from blows, falls, traffic accidents, workplace or sports accidents: fractures, dislocations, sprains, tendon and muscle injuries, and wounds involving bones or joints.

What should you do after a blow or fall?

Immobilize the area in the position it is in, apply cold wrapped in cloth, elevate the limb and do not try to realign the bone. Go to the emergency room if there is deformity, exposed bone, inability to bear weight or move the limb, severe pain, numbness, or a cold or pale limb.

How are traumatic injuries treated?

Depending on type and severity: immobilization with a cast, splint or boot for stable injuries; reduction to put dislocations or displaced fractures back in place; and surgery with plates, screws or nails when the fracture is unstable or involves a joint. Rehabilitation always follows.

Why is follow-up important?

To confirm with X-rays that the bone heals in good position, remove immobilization on time, detect complications and guide return to activities. In older adults with fractures from minor falls, the traumatologist may also order osteoporosis testing.

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