Orthopaedic trauma surgery repairs bones, joints, and soft tissue damage due to injury. Some bone injuries (fractures) can be treated with casts or other non-operative methods. But if a bone is displaced (out-of position), or a joint is dislocated, you are likely to need surgery. This may need metals, pins or plates to hold a fractured bone in position until it has healed. Our expert surgeons will assess the injury and perform the most appropriate treatment. Our specialist physiotherapists can then help your continuing recovery.
Blackrock Health offers a high level of expertise in Orthopaedics across our three hospitals. Where orthopaedic surgery is due to trauma or an accident, you can access our expertise through our Emergency Departments.
Blackrock Health is home to some of the most established private orthopaedic faculties in Ireland. We can carry out minimally invasive surgeries in hi-tech facilities across all our hospitals. We offer comprehensive musculoskeletal care, with dedicated inpatient orthopaedic and spinal wards. If you have day-case surgery, our team will care for you on our comfortable day wards.
We offer the full range of orthopaedics, including consultation, diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare. Our orthopaedic consultants are internationally recognised and conduct thousands of procedures every year. Our hospitals have expert multi-disciplinary teams - including clinical nurse specialists and physiotherapists. And we use the latest technology, from robot surgery to spinal navigation techniques and real-time imaging.
You can access our services easily with a referral from your GP and can then enjoy world-class clinical care and comfort. Over 75% of our rooms are single occupancy - to help you make a quicker recovery in a safe environment. We aim to provide you with best possible outcome, and to restore your quality of life.
What is a bone fracture?
A bone fracture is the medical term for a broken bone. Fractures are usually caused by traumas like falls, car accidents or sports injuries. Some medical conditions and repetitive forces, like running , can also increase your risk for certain types of fractures.
If you break a bone, you might need surgery to repair it. Some people only need a splint, cast, brace or sling for their bone to heal, if the position of the fracture is acceptable. Recovery time for fractures varies depending on many factors. This includes which bone is fractured, the extent of damage to the bone and any underlying health conditions.
In some cases, orthopaedic trauma can be life threatening or can severely limit your short and long term mobility. When a patient sustains an orthopaedic injury, it is important that they are quickly assessed to develop a treatment plan. The treatment of Orthopaedic Trauma is managed by consultant-led teams and often requires surgery.
What kinds of fracture are more likely to need surgery?
Hairline fractures and stress fractures can usually be treated without having to resort to surgery. If fractured bones are not out-of-position, you may not need surgery. Your surgeon will assess the type of bone, the position of the broken bone fragments, and the function of the affected limb. However, if a broken bone is significantly displaced then surgery might be needed. This surgery may reposition the bone and fix it in place using plates, screws, wires or rods. Open fractures - when the bone breaks so badly that it pierces through skin - will also need immediate surgery. Any injury that damages ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues may also need surgery. Injuries such as these may be carried out by a Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, rather than an Orthopaedic surgeon.
Why are older patients more at risk?
The risk to health of an older person caused by a fall is very serious. Falls are the leading cause of death and disability among the elderly. This is because bones lose density, strength, and flexibility as we age. As a result, when older people suffer a fall they are more likely to break a bone than younger individuals. Osteoporosis is a condition which causes bones to weaken and as a result, makes them more likely to break - even with a minor fall.
How can you access our orthopaedic trauma teams via our Emergency Departments?
In our Emergency Departments, orthopaedic trauma is diagnosed and treated by a team of professionals. First, the patient's pulse, blood pressure and other clinical monitoring will be taken. There will also be a thorough physical examination. This helps the medical team decide if if there is any other abnormality as well as the fractures or other damage that may have occurred. Imaging through x-rays or CT scans may also be used to visualise any broken bones or internal organ damage. Depending on the severity of injury, the Emergency Medicine consultant can recommend a range of treatments. This can start with rest, pain medication, splinting or casting. But in some cases, surgery may be needed to repair fractures.
How well do patients typically recover from orthopaedic trauma surgery?
The recovery rate for orthopaedic trauma surgery depends on the type of injury and the patient’s health. Prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, postoperative care, and follow-up visits all help patients recover. The level of recovery will be affected by age, severity of the injury and any pre-existing medical conditions. But most people who have orthopaedic surgery for traumatic injuries will see an improved quality of life with time and care.
How do I get this?
You will need a referral letter from your GP or consultant before you make an appointment, or you may be referred by attending one of our Emergency Departments. Please see our Request Appointment Form here.
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance Cover Check page here, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page here. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.
