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Healthcare Services Orthopaedics Orthopaedic Trauma Medical Services & Treatments

Medical Services & Treatments

The Division of Orthopaedic Trauma provides care for the following:

  • Failure of fractured bones to heal (nonunions)
  • Fractures of the pelvis and extremities
  • Infections in the bone and soft tissue
  • Malunions of fractures and fracture deformities

Procedures may include open reduction and internal fixation, irrigation and debridement, tendon repair, resection of infection and reconstruction with bone graft.

Evaluation and Diagnosis

A history and physical examination are supplemented with blood tests, radiographs (x-rays), computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MRI) scans or bone scans.

What to Expect

The surgeon will talk to the patient about their symptoms and medical history, then examine the affected area, as well as related areas. Radiographs are commonly obtained to view the injured or painful area. CTs and MRIs may be ordered as well.

Treatment Options

  • Irrigation and Debridement
    During this procedure, the surgeon examines the areas around a wound or infection and removes all of the dirt or foreign material and any tissue that may be damaged to the extent that it will not survive. The wound is then washed with fluid.

  • Open Reduction and Internal Fixation
    The surgeon puts the bone pieces back together (open reduction), holding them in place with plates, screws, rods or wires. The UF surgeons at Shands Jacksonville use the latest techniques, including minimally invasive procedures, when appropriate.

  • External Fixation
    In this procedure, the surgeon inserts pins that go through the skin and into bone both above and below the fracture site. This is usually a temporary (days to weeks) treatment used to allow soft tissues at a fracture site to heal.

  • Osteotomy and Internal Fixation
    The surgeon cuts the deformed bone (osteotomy) to allow it to be straightened and then applies plates, screws or rods to hold it in place while it heals (internal fixation).

What to Expect

Expectations vary depending on the patient's specific problem. The surgeon or therapist will explain expectations related to the specific problem and recommended treatment.

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