Orthopaedic Specialty Programs: Orthopaedic Trauma

Multiple Fracture/Limb Salvage
Automobile and motorcycle collisions, falls from high places and crushing injuries can all result in multiple fractures and/or crushed limbs. The type of fracture that requires surgical intervention is often complex, recovery is slow and the rehabilitation process may be complicated from various other factors. While working with the surgeon's guidelines and restrictions, the rehabilitation team can provide a program which can help the patient function as independently as possible while the injury is healing.

Many times, a patient will have both external immobilization (splints, casts or external fixators) and internal immobilization (metal screws, nails or plates) on differing fractures. The patient may also have external injuries (burns, scrapes or wounds) and/or internal injuries (ruptured bladder, nerve damage, collapsed lung, etc.) which require careful medical monitoring and treatment. Therefore, weight bearing status, type of immobilization, age of the patient, location of fractures and recovery from other injuries all play an important role in determining the level and frequency of care needed.
Rehabilitation may focus on teaching independence at a wheelchair level while the patient is immobilized. Aquatic therapy is often utilized to increase mobility for patients who are non-weight bearing on land, but are able to apply weight for walking in the water. Patients are also educated on techniques and exercises to use after the cast/ screws are removed to help them regain range of motion, strength and mobility. Often, these patients will return to outpatient rehabilitation for further treatment when appropriate.