Trauma (Subscribe)

Patient mutual support group. Has over 600 "diaries" describing patients' experiences with lower limb fractures. Also has a forum for patients to discuss issues related to their injury and offer mutual support. Patient Provider

Definition Debridement is the process of removing dead (necrotic) tissue or foreign material from and around a wound to expose healthy tissue. Purpose An open wound or ulcer can not be properly evaluated until the dead tissue or foreign matter is removed. Wounds that contain necrotic and ischemic (low oxygen content) tissue take... Expert

Definition Emergency surgery is non-elective surgery performed when the patient's life or well-being is in direct jeopardy. Largely performed by surgeons specializing in emergency medicine, this surgery can be conducted for many reasons but occurs most often in urgent or critical cases in response to trauma, cardiac events, poison episodes, brain... Expert

Definition Finger reattachment (or replacement) is defined as reattachment of the part that has been completely amputated. Purpose Replantation refers to reattachment of a completely severed part, meaning there is no physical connection between the part that has been cut off and the person. Reattachment can be surgically performed for the finger and... Expert

Definition Fracture repair is the process of rejoining and realigning the ends of broken bones, usually performed by an orthopedist, general surgeon, or family doctor. In cases of an emergency, first aid measures should be used to provide temporary realignment and immobilization until proper medical help is available. Encyclopedia of Surgery: A... Expert

By David Nelson MD Fractures (broken bones) are a fascinating subject. Maybe that's why I am an orthopedist! There has been a lot of research into fractures, so we know a lot about them. For instance, did you know that bones are the only tissue in the body that does not...

Definition Kneecap removal, or patellectomy, is the partial or total surgical removal of the patella, commonly called the kneecap. Purpose Kneecap removal is performed under three circumstances: The kneecap is fractured or shattered. The kneecap dislocates easily and repeatedly. Degenerative arthritis of the kneecap causes extreme pain. Encyclopedia of Surgery: A Guide for Patients... Expert

Definition Traction is force applied by weights or other devices to treat bone or muscle disorders or injuries. Purpose Traction treats fractures, dislocations, or muscle spasms in an effort to correct deformities and promote healing. Encyclopedia of Surgery: A Guide for Patients and Caregivers

Definition A wound is a disruption in the continuity of cells—anything that causes cells that would normally be connected to become separated. Wound healing is the restoration of that continuity. Several effects may result with the occurrence of a wound: immediate loss of all or part of organ functioning, sympathetic stress...

Archive Copy 2002

Cast Care

AAOS Online Service Fact SheetColles fracture Highly Reputable

Distal Radius Fractures

Archive Copy (2000)

AAOS Online Service Fact SheetFractures Highly Reputable