Orthopedic injuries involve the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. While some conditions can be managed with routine appointments, certain situations necessitate prompt medical evaluation. Here is more information on a few scenarios that call for immediate attention from an orthopedic surgeon:
Experiencing Acute Traumatic Injuries
An orthopedic surgeon is often necessary if you experience a traumatic injury. An acute injury results from a sudden event, such as a fall, impact, or accident. These situations can cause significant damage to the musculoskeletal system and often require immediate assessment. An obvious fracture, where a bone is visibly out of place or has broken through the skin, is a clear indication for emergency care. This type of injury, known as an open fracture, carries a high risk of infection and needs prompt medical intervention.
Another sign is the inability to bear weight on a limb. If you cannot put any pressure on a leg, ankle, or foot after an injury, it may suggest a fracture or a severe sprain or ligament tear. The sound of a “pop” at the time of injury can also signal a significant ligament or tendon rupture.
Suspecting Severe Joint or Bone Issues
Certain symptoms, even without a clear traumatic event, can point to a serious underlying orthopedic problem. The sudden onset of severe, incapacitating pain in a joint or bone is a primary reason to seek immediate evaluation. This level of pain may interfere with movement and daily activities. Noticeable joint deformity or dislocation is another situation requiring prompt attention. A dislocated joint can damage surrounding nerves and blood vessels if not addressed quickly.
Rapid and excessive swelling or bruising around a joint or bone can also indicate a serious issue. While some swelling is typical with minor injuries, rapid and extensive discoloration or fluid accumulation suggests a more substantial injury, such as internal bleeding or a fracture. Loss of motion in a joint, where you are suddenly unable to bend or straighten it, also warrants an orthopedic assessment.
Identifying Other Concerning Symptoms
Some symptoms may indicate complications that require urgent medical care to prevent further harm. The loss of sensation, or a feeling of numbness or tingling in a limb, hand, or foot, can signify nerve compression or damage. This symptom, particularly after an injury, should be evaluated without delay. A change in skin color in the affected limb, such as turning pale, blue, or cold to the touch, can suggest a disruption in blood flow. Compromised circulation is a medical emergency.
A high fever accompanied by redness, warmth, and intense pain in a joint can be a sign of a joint infection. This condition can rapidly destroy joint cartilage and requires immediate treatment. Any open wound over a bone or joint that shows signs of infection, like pus or red streaks, also needs prompt medical evaluation to prevent the infection from spreading to the bone.
Find an Orthopedic Surgeon
Recognizing situations that require immediate orthopedic care is a function of understanding specific signs and symptoms. Acute injuries, such as an open fracture or the inability to bear weight, necessitate prompt evaluation. Severe joint or bone issues, characterized by intense pain, obvious deformity, or rapid swelling, also demand immediate attention. Symptoms such as numbness, changes in skin color, or signs of infection may indicate complications. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult with an orthopedic surgeon.
