Orthopaedic Trauma

The development and growth of a modern urban orthopaedic trauma program manages all musculoskeletal injuries following trauma. Overall, a significant proportion of trauma patients at Level 1 trauma centers will require orthopaedic involvement. A successful program requires a clear focus, an understanding of the community needs and predicted trauma volume, critical infrastructure including access to dedicated orthopaedic trauma ORs and continued monitoring and adaptation to changing dynamics within the health care system. Responsible financial decisions through efficiency, cost containment and implant negotiations, as well as a clear focus on quality of care can optimize patient outcomes and access while ensuring a financially sustainable program. The modern orthopaedic trauma program requires an integrated multidisciplinary approach to the trauma patient focused on the timely, effective care of patients to optimize outcomes. The establishment and adherence to evidence-based protocols of care can reduce conflict and improve care while driving quality improvement projects and allowing perceptible measurements of outcome. The continued commitment to progress and adapting to new evidence and health care demands allows short- and longer-term success of any orthopaedic trauma program.