Traumatic injury
Index:
- What is a traumatic injury?
- What causes traumatic injury?
- How are traumatic injuries treated?
- Which specialist treats traumatic injuries?
What is a traumatic injury?
A traumatic injury is a physical injury which occurs suddenly, with a certain degree of severity. These types of injury typically require immediate medical attention and may first be dealt with in A&E, with later referral to a particular specialist if ongoing treatment is needed or rehabilitation is necessary. Major trauma has the potential to be severe, causing disability, or in extreme cases, death. Trauma is the most common cause of death in adults under 40 in the UK.
What causes traumatic injuries?
Trauma can be caused by a variety of external forces which affect the body. Some of the most common causes of traumatic injury include road traffic accidents, falls, violence, sports injuries, and penetration (e,g stab wounds, bullets). In the UK, falls are one of the most common causes of traumatic injury, as the ageing population are more likely to experience a fall. In England and Wales a fall is the most common type of major trauma, overtaking road traffic accidents as the main cause.
How are traumatic injuries treated?
In cases of major trauma, where injuries are multiple and serious in nature, the patient will typically be taken to a trauma centre, where multi-disciplinary teams including anaesthetists, orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and emergency doctors work to quickly deal with the injuries. Surgery may be immediate, in order to reduce the possibility of disability/death.
If the traumatic injury is not life-threatening, it will most likely first be dealt with in A&E, then referred to a specialist doctor if necessary. Surgery may be necessary to treat the injury, followed by physical therapy in many cases in order to achieve rehabilitation.
Which specialist treats traumatic injuries?
The specialist treatment will depend on the injury in question. Bone fractures, for example, will be treated by an orthopaedic surgeon/traumatologist, while brain injuries will be treated by a neurosurgeon.


What are the most common bursa injuries in sports?
By Mr Jonathan Walczak
2022-05-26
A bursa injury - also known as bursitis - is one of the most common injuries in sports and can affect several parts of the body. Orthopaedic and trauma surgeon, Mr Jonathan Walczak, tells us what some of the most common bursa injuries are and what the recommended treatment is. See more


How to heal a fracture
By Mr Rohit Madhav
2022-05-26
Orthopaedic assistance is needed after a fracture to not only make sure that the bone heals correctly, but also to ensure that the original mobility is restored. Mr Rohit Madhav explains the body's response to a broken bone, the most common types of fractures and treatment options available. See more


What are the most common cycling injuries?
By Professor Ali Ghoz
2022-05-23
Unexpected cycling injuries are very common and can affect a wide range of body parts. Professor Ali Ghoz, a consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, has rounded up the most common injuries and advises on how to treat and prevent them. See more


How you can help: complex trauma prevention and first aid
By Professor Mohamed Imam
2022-05-21
Complex trauma may happen when you least expect it, however, being prepared and knowing what to do is important and can potentially save a life. Following his two other articles on complex trauma and fractures [articles linked], expert consultant orthopaedic surgeon Professor Mohamed Imam provides information and advice to help us better prepare in tough complex trauma situations. See more
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Professor Xavier Griffin
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
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Mr Arshad Khaleel
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
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- Knee arthroscopy
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Mr Amol Chitre
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Mr John McMaster
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- Fracture
- Osteoporosis
- Sports injuries
- Second medical opinion
- Medicolegal
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Mr Jagwant Singh
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
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Orthopaedic Specialists
Orthopaedic Specialists
Harley Street Specialist Hospital, 18-22 Queen Anne Street, Marylebone, W1G 8HA
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Capital Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
Capital Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
164 Cromwell Rd
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Top Doctors
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Orthopaedic Specialists
Harley Street Specialist Hospital, 18-22 Queen Anne Street, Marylebone, W1G 8HA, W1G Marylebone LondonExpert in:
- Minimal access surgery (keyhole surgery)
- Joint preservation surgery
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Regenerative Medicine
- Joint replacement
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Capital Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
164 Cromwell Rd, West LondonExpert in:
- Minimal access surgery (keyhole surgery)
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Robotic Surgery
- Shoulder and elbow
- Foot and ankle
- Knee
- See all