Expertise: Fracture Care
An orthopedic surgeon specializing in fracture care is a highly skilled medical professional who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of bone fractures. Fractures, or broken bones, can result from various causes such as trauma, sports injuries, falls, or underlying medical conditions. Orthopedic surgeons specializing in fracture care are trained to address a wide range of fractures, from simple to complex, using both surgical and non-surgical techniques.
To become an orthopedic surgeon specializing in fracture care, one must undergo extensive education, training, and hands-on experience. The typical path includes:
- Education: Like all physicians, orthopedic surgeons start by completing a bachelor’s degree followed by medical school. During medical school, they acquire foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical skills.
- Residency in Orthopedic Surgery: After graduating from medical school, aspiring orthopedic surgeons undergo a residency program specifically focused on orthopedic surgery. This residency typically lasts five years and provides comprehensive training in all aspects of orthopedic care, including fracture management.
- Fellowship (Optional): While not always mandatory, some orthopedic surgeons choose to pursue additional fellowship training in fracture care. This fellowship typically lasts one year and offers specialized training in the latest techniques and technologies for treating complex fractures.
Orthopedic surgeons specializing in fracture care offer a range of services and expertise:
- Fracture Evaluation and Diagnosis: They are skilled in evaluating and diagnosing different types of fractures through physical examinations, imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, MRI), and other diagnostic tests. This includes identifying the location, severity, and complexity of the fracture.
- Non-Surgical Treatment: Many fractures can be treated without surgery using conservative methods such as casting, splinting, bracing, and traction. Orthopedic surgeons specializing in fracture care are proficient in applying these techniques to ensure proper alignment and healing of the fractured bone.
- Surgical Intervention: For complex fractures or fractures that do not heal properly with non-surgical methods, surgery may be necessary. Orthopedic surgeons are trained in various surgical techniques, including open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), external fixation, intramedullary nailing, and plate and screw fixation. These procedures aim to realign the fractured bone fragments and stabilize them to promote healing.
- Postoperative Care: After surgery, orthopedic surgeons closely monitor patients’ recovery progress and provide comprehensive postoperative care. This includes managing pain, monitoring for complications, prescribing physical therapy, and guiding patients through the rehabilitation process to restore strength, mobility, and function.
- Collaboration and Multidisciplinary Care: Orthopedic surgeons specializing in fracture care often collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, radiologists, nurses, and primary care physicians to ensure comprehensive and coordinated patient care. They may also work closely with trauma surgeons in cases involving multiple injuries.
Overall, orthopedic surgeons specializing in fracture care play a crucial role in treating and managing bone fractures, helping patients recover and regain functionality after injury. Their expertise, combined with advanced medical technologies and techniques, enables them to provide high-quality care and improve outcomes for patients with fractures of varying complexity.
A goal is a desired result that a person or a system envisions, plans and commits to achieve: a personal or organizational desired end-point in some sort of assumed development. Many people endeavor to reach goals within a finite time by setting deadlines.
It is roughly similar to purpose or aim, the anticipated result which guides reaction, or an end, which is an object, either a physical object or an abstract object, that has intrinsic value.
Goals can be long-term, intermediate, or short-term. The primary difference is the time required to achieve them.
Dr. Ben Barden treats fractures in patient ages 4 and older.
When possible, Dr. Barden will treat fractures without surgery.