In the United States, trauma ranks as the leading cause of death for people ages 45 and under. It’s fourth among the leading causes of death for all ages.
Trauma surgery is the specialized type of surgery that focuses on the treatment and care of the critical and often life-threatening injuries that occur as the result of trauma. Advances in trauma surgery have helped reduce the number of people who succumb to their injuries.
Traumatic injuries often occur as the result of a penetrating trauma or blunt force. They result from auto accidents, gunshot wounds, stabbings, falls, and crush-related injuries.
Treating broken bones and other trauma-related orthopedic injuries requires appropriate training and expertise to achieve optimal results.
Trauma surgery specialist and board-certified orthopedic surgeon W. Joseph Absi, MD, of Orthopaedics of Atlanta and Aesthetic Institute in Smyrna, Georgia, provides expert trauma surgery for individuals who require the repair of complex or multiple bone fractures and the surrounding tissues, ligaments, and muscles.
As a member of your trauma team, Dr. Absi works with other specialists to determine the treatment most appropriate for your condition, from assessment through surgery and recovery. Find out what you can expect from the recovery involved after trauma surgery.
Experiencing pain after trauma surgery doesn’t mean that something is wrong. It’s perfectly normal to have pain as your body heals.
Depending on the location and extent of your injuries, you may experience chronic and persistent pain after the healing is complete. Residual pain may continue for months or longer after trauma surgery.
It’s important to communicate your pain to Dr. Absi and other members of your trauma team. After determining the source of your pain, Dr. Absi can help you manage pain safely and effectively. Ignoring or trying to work through pain may jeopardize your healing process.
Your post-surgery healing may require more than one type of treatment. Adhering to your treatment plan is important for your long-term success.
Your comprehensive treatment plan may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, nerve blocks, and/or medication therapy. Interventional pain therapies may be necessary to treat long-term chronic pain.
Following your individualized treatment plan gives you the best chance of healing and resuming normal activities as soon as possible.
In addition to therapies that promote physical healing, you may also require psychological therapy to help you cope with the mental and emotional aspects of your trauma and recovery.
Along with professional mental health services, the support of your family, friends, and home caregivers can be valuable to helping you restore your emotional well-being.
Your recovery from trauma surgery depends on individual factors including your age, the location and type of injury you experienced, and your overall well-being.
Simple fractures can take at least six weeks to heal, while compound fractures in which a bone is broken in several places can take up to eight months.
Trying to rush your recovery and returning to normal activities before your bones or tissues fully heal can prolong the healing process and subject you to setbacks.
Find out more about recovering from trauma surgery and what to expect if you or a loved one needs this special type of treatment. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Absi or request him on your trauma team, contact our office today.
