Orthopedic trauma: causes, types, and prevalence

The World Health Organization estimates that one of the leading causes of orthopedic trauma are road traffic injuries. The yearly estimated cases resulting in orthopedic trauma have been approximated to be between 20-50 million cases. Understanding the cause, types, and prevalence of orthopedic trauma forms a first step toward its effective prevention and treatment.

It is also of great medical concern since impaired mobility may affect an individual's daily function and thus result in lower quality of life. Let us dig deeper and understand the causes, types, and prevalence of orthopedic trauma through our blog.

Orthopedic trauma

It is best defined as a severe injury to all or part of the musculoskeletal system-precisely bones, joints, muscles, and surrounding soft tissues. Most causes can be identified in accidents or any injuries.

Orthopedic trauma typically includes one or more of the following causations:

•  Road traffic injury: This is from higher ranges to include the maximum share in fractured cases and bad musculoskeletal injury.
• Falls: These are especially among the elderly population, especially in the case of hip fractures, spine fractures, or wrist fractures.
• Sports Injuries: These often involve high-impact sports or poor safety precautions related to ligament tears, fractures, and dislocations.
• Workplace injuries: Include accidents with heavy machinery, construction sites, and repetitive strain injuries, among others.
• Natural disasters and violence: Involve earthquakes and physical assaults that have also contributed a lot.

Types of Orthopedic Trauma

Orthopedic trauma is very heterogeneous with respect to the severity and site of injury:

•  Fractures: They vary from simple to complex, open or compound.
•  Dislocations: The injuries of joints where the bones are forced out of their usual positions, which may occur at the shoulders, hips, or knees.
•  Soft Tissue Injuries: Contusion, lacerations of ligaments, tendons, and muscles, like sprains or tears.
•  Spinal Trauma: Conditions where vertebrae are impacted, and that may bring neurological complications.
•  Pelvic Trauma: Much of high-energy traumas may be complex with ring disruptions common in vehicle collisions.
•  Multiple Trauma: Combination fracture and soft tissue injury mostly life-threatening

Prevalence of Orthopedic Trauma

Orthopedic trauma generally is a problem that characterizes human existence worldwide.

• The prevalence is higher among males aged 15-44 years due to their involvement in high-risk activities. However, elderly women are more vulnerable to fractures due to osteoporosis.
• In developing countries, there is more of a burden because of inadequate infrastructure, lack of access to emergency care, and increased road traffic accidents.
• Challenges in Orthopedic Trauma Management
• There are a number of challenges in the management of orthopedic trauma:
• Delayed Treatment: Inadequate access to specialized treatment results in late intervention. This increases complications.
• High Costs: Since surgical interventions and rehabilitation are very costly for the affected individuals and health care systems. 
• Post-Traumatic Complications: Possible complications, including infections, nonunion fractures, or chronic pain, necessitate long-term treatment is one of the challenges.

Bottom line

We understand that recovering from orthopedic trauma can be a challenging journey. At AVH Hospital, we are dedicated to providing expert and compassionate care that transforms lives. Whether it’s a sports injury, a fracture, or a complex trauma, our focus is on helping every patient regain strength and live a pain-free life. Together, let’s work towards a healthier, stronger future for everyone.