Treatments

Orthopaedic Trauma

A patient with back pain talks with a doctor with a model of the spine

Overview

With fellowship-trained orthopaedic trauma surgeons, The University of Tennessee Medical Center orthopaedic trauma team treats the most complex and severe bone, joint and muscle injuries. The medical center is the only American College of Surgeons verified Level I Trauma Center in East Tennessee. Our Level I Trauma Center verification means that we offer orthopaedic trauma and specialized trauma teams any time you need them — 24/7/365.

Conditions We Treat

  • Broken bones, including repair of complex fractures
  • Geriatric hip fractures
  • Fragility fractures from osteoporosis or metabolic bone disease
  • Dislocations
  • Limb salvage and amputation
  • Pelvis and acetabular fractures
  • Reconstructive surgery following previous fracture or trauma

Nonsurgical Treatments for Orthopaedic Trauma

Our highly trained multidisciplinary team specializes in the care and rehabilitation of the trauma patient. We evaluate each patient to determine the best care approach. When appropriate, our first course of action is to treat with nonsurgical options.

Surgical Treatments

Due to their severity, most traumatic injuries require surgical intervention. Most commonly, our trauma-trained surgeons stabilize bones with rods, plates and screws, or replace damaged joints with prostheses.

Fragility Fracture Program

Bone fractures in patients with osteoporosis, called fragility fractures, are one of the most common trauma conditions that hospitals treat. These fractures can dramatically change the quality of life — for patients and their families — resulting from a loss of independence, significant disability and even death.

Patients receive follow-up treatment through our Osteoporosis Clinic, which specializes in the prevention of future fractures.

To help patients regain their quality of life following a fragility fracture, The University of Tennessee Medical Center established the Fragility Fracture Program. Our dedicated team provides a patient-oriented, comprehensive treatment plan and ensures that patients receive follow-up fragility fracture care. We also work with patients and families to reduce the risk of future fractures.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation for the trauma patients begins shortly after admission, often in the critical care unit. The patient is evaluated by a rehabilitation team that creates an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Referrals to local inpatient rehabilitation facilities, are arranged when the patient is ready. Outpatient rehabilitation is also available at the medical center.

Treatment Locations

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