Traumatology and orthopaedic surgery

What is traumatology and orthopaedic surgery?

The speciality of traumatology and orthopaedic surgery is a branch of medicine that treats locomotor system injuries and focuses on the care and prevention of diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system. Our specialists use a surgical approach to correct certain pathologies or deformities.

At Quirónsalud we have a team of professionals who specialise in the different branches of orthopaedics and traumatology and we work with the most advanced technology to ensure our patients receive the safest and most accurate treatment and diagnosis.

What does traumatology and orthopaedic surgery study?

Traumatology and orthopaedic surgery studies the anatomy and pathologies of the bones, joints, tendons, muscles and nerves involved in the functioning of the locomotor system. Given the broad range of areas it covers, traumatology is divided into different subspecialties:

• Traumatology of the hip, studies injuries to this joint which connects the femur to the pelvis, whether fractures, wear and tear or other disorders.
• Traumatology of the spine, focusing on cervical or lumbar pain and pathologies such as scoliosis, lumbar arthrosis, spinal canal stenosis or disc herniation.
• Traumatology of the knee, studies injuries to this joint which connects the femur to the tibia, both degenerative and traumatic injuries.
• Traumatology of the foot and ankle, which studies the conditions and pathologies of these joints.
• Traumatology of the shoulder, which focuses on pain and pathologies such as tendon rupture, osteoarthritis or shoulder instability.
• Traumatology of the hand and elbow, focusing on the care of these joints and the tendons and nerves that support them.
• Oncological traumatology, which treats and monitors tumours affecting the locomotor system.
• Sports traumatology, which prevents and treats injuries resulting from sporting activities
• Paediatric traumatology, which deals with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders during childhood and adolescence.

Which patients is it for?

Orthopaedic and trauma surgeons treat patients with injuries such as fractures, sprains and dislocations or who are suffering from degenerative, congenital, tumour or infectious diseases. Given that these conditions affect the organs of the locomotor system and can limit movement and daily activity, our specialists will focus their efforts on improving the patient’s everyday quality of life.

Techniques, procedures and diagnostic methods

Based on the complexity of this speciality, the techniques used in the diagnosis and treatment of trauma pathologies are very diverse. The most common include:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): a non-invasive diagnostic method that provides detailed images of the bone and soft tissues of the body through the use of magnetic fields. Another advantage is that it does not produce radiation.
• Computerised axial tomography (CAT): a diagnostic test that takes X-ray images from different angles to create 3D views of bone and soft tissues. Very useful for studying fractures and planning surgery.
• X-ray: one of the most traditional tests in the speciality involves taking images using X-rays. Basic test for the study of fractures and joint wear and tear
• Gamma bone scan: a diagnostic test that provides imaging with the use of radiotracers and a device that detects radioactive activity in bone. Used in the study of infections and complications of joint replacements
• Arthroscopy: a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows certain joint injuries to be repaired with the use of a small camera, which increases the surgeon’s field of vision and facilitates manoeuvres.