Orthopaedic injuries are injuries to bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and other structures of the musculoskeletal system. They can happen during sport, in a fall, or in an accident at home or elsewhere. A proper examination helps determine the nature of the injury and choose treatment that reduces the risk of long-term loss of function.
At Baltic American Clinic, orthopaedic trauma surgeons provide consultations for various orthopaedic injuries, apply immobilisation, dress and stitch wounds, and perform certain surgical procedures and operations. The treatment options depend on the type and severity of the injury and on your condition.
Assessment of injuries to bones, joints and soft tissues.
Plaster casts and other ways of stabilising the limb, according to the indications.
Operations for certain fractures, tendon injuries and other traumatic injuries.
Follow-up examinations, wound care and monitoring of healing.
When should you see an orthopaedic trauma surgeon after an injury?
- A bone or joint hurts after a fall or a blow.
- Swelling or bruising has appeared, or the range of movement has decreased.
- A ligament or tendon injury is suspected.
- The joint remains unstable after a sprain.
- Follow-up of fracture healing or care of immobilisation is needed.
- Pain or a movement problem persists after an earlier injury.
- An assessment is needed for removal of orthopaedic implants or metalwork.
In the case of severe acute injuries, emergency medical care comes first.
Which injuries are treated?
Bone fractures
Depending on the type of fracture, external immobilisation or surgical treatment may be used.
Joint dislocations
The position of the joint, the ligaments and other structures need to be assessed. An acute dislocation must be assessed by a medical professional without delay.
Ligament injuries
Conservative treatment may be used or, where indicated, reconstructive surgery.
Tendon injuries
Some tears may require surgical treatment.
Wrist, hand, foot and ankle injuries
Treatment depends on the structures injured and the loss of function.
Post-traumatic conditions
Persistent pain, instability, restricted movement and healing problems are assessed.
How is an orthopaedic injury treated?
The mechanism of injury, pain, swelling, position of the limb, mobility and circulation are assessed.
Depending on the indications, an X-ray is taken or other tests are ordered.
Immobilisation, wound care, medication, rehabilitation or surgical treatment may be recommended.
When there are specific indications, the injured structures are treated surgically.
At follow-up visits the doctor checks how the injury is healing and when the load can be increased.
Helps restore range of movement, muscle strength and everyday function.
How to prepare for the consultation
If you have already been treated elsewhere, bring your test results, X-rays, discharge summaries and information about any immobilisation used.
After a recent injury, do not put heavy weight on a very painful limb until the nature of the injury has been assessed.
When must you go to an emergency department?
- The limb is deformed or an open fracture is suspected.
- After the injury, there is severe numbness or the limb has turned pale or cold.
- There is heavy bleeding.
- The pain is very severe or rapidly getting worse.
- A severe multiple injury is suspected.
If the condition is life-threatening, call 112.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does every fracture need surgery?
No. Some fractures are treated with immobilisation. Whether surgery is needed depends on the type and stability of the fracture.
Do I have to wear a splint after a sprain?
Not always. Whether immobilisation is needed, and for how long, depends on how severe the injury is.
When can the plaster cast be removed?
Only after the doctor has assessed healing and confirmed that immobilisation is no longer needed.
Is rehabilitation always needed after a fracture?
Not always to the same extent, but after a longer period of immobilisation, exercises to restore movement and muscle strength are often helpful.
Does metalwork have to be removed after a fracture?
No. Removal of implants is considered according to the medical indications, symptoms and possible surgical risk.
Can any acute injury be treated at the clinic?
Not every injury is suitable for a planned outpatient consultation. Severe injuries and emergencies must be assessed at an emergency care facility.
Price of orthopaedic injury treatment
Prices for orthopaedic trauma surgeon consultations, diagnostic tests, plaster casts, wound care and surgical treatment are set by the Baltic American Clinic price list in force at the time.
The need for additional procedures, orthopaedic aids, anaesthesia, inpatient stay and other services, and the expected costs, are discussed before treatment.